The Lewis Blue

Wolfstone unplugged? Not exactly, although Ivan Drever was their lead vocalist, acoustic guitarist, and principal songwriter for many years, and Duncan Chisholm's fiddle playing powered the Scottish folk-rock group with as much authority as their searing electric guitars. Wolfstone's falsely credited 1998 release This Strange Place was ostensibly a Drever solo project in wolves' clothing. It disappointed devout Wolfstone fans because of its acoustic, soft-rock approach, but that is the nature of Drever's side projects. Phil Cunningham, who also produced three Wolfstone albums, accompanies Drever and Chisholm on whistles, accordion, and mandolin. Predominantly an acoustic offering, this recording has a traditional feel to it, although the bulk of the compositions were penned by Drever, whose poignant melodies and timeless lyrics help facilitate that allusion. The familiarity that these three artists have for one another, their acute understanding of Scottish music, and their expertise at their respective instruments all combine to yield a top-notch contemporary folk album.