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Reviews For No-one and Everyone
The Scots Magazine - September 2007 "For No One and Everyone features Rallion, who are Fiona Cuthill, Andrew Lyons, Stevie Lawrence (of Iron Horse et al), and Marieke Smegen (or MacBean, depending on which source you read - or indeed which paragraph of their website biog). Collectively the group come from Glasgow and Edinburgh, though fiddler and cittern player Andrew is from south of the Border, and Marieke (vocals, bodhran, djembe and guitar) is originally from the Netherlands, where she trained as a classical singer. Fiona, a clinical psychologist by day, handles fiddle, whistles and recorder by night, and Stevie, of course, has a proud track record in Scottish music as player (guitar, bouzouki) and producer. This, their first album, features traditional and modern items, several of the latter penned by Fiona and Andrew. Elegant, entertaining and definitely worth a listen: check their take on Ewan McColl's "Fisherman's Wife", for example." Visit The Scots Magazine here ********************** The Garden Sessions - July 2007 Review by Jack Foster "Rallion are a four piece traditional folk group, hailing from Edinburgh and Glasgow. The current line-up is Marieke McBean (vocals, bodhran, djembe, guitar), Stevie Lawrence (guitar, bouzouki), Andrew Lyons (fiddle, cittern) and Fiona Cuthill (fiddle, whistles, recorder). Their album 'For No One and Everyone' is unfortunately still beneath the radar of most major reviewers and press. Recorded and produced at Big Sky studios in Galashiels (Scottish Borders), this is a well accomplished album from a band who are sure to be around for a good while yet. The first (and only real) major critisicm of the album is that the name of the producer is not credited anywhere on the sleeve (at least I can't find it), and the production on 'For No One & Everyone' deserves credit - it really is beautifully mixed. Marieke McBean leads the vocals throughout the album, which is very much Scottish folk music with a soulfull edge that shows a real passion for the genre. Combining original numbers with some classics, this is an album you can listen to over and over again. There is something about Rallion which seperates them from other rising folk ensembles, it comes across in their recordings (and I suspect their live performances too) - and that is how much they enjoy playing the music, and playing together. The subtle mixture of guitar, bouzouki, fiddle, cittern, whistles and vocals is not easy to achieve, but Rallion make it sound effortless, transporting us from fast paced numbers such as 'Stampede' and 'amalgamation' to the more heart wrenching stuff like 'King Of Prussia' and 'Fisherman's Wife'. 'For No One & Everyone' would be a wise investment for any discerning folkie, and you can bet your bottom dollar it won't be last we'll hear of Rallion." Visit (and listen to) the Garden Sessions here ********************** Rock
n' Reel - Mar/April 2007 Visit Rock 'n Reel here ********************** The Living Tradion - Issue 72 Rallion - For No One and
Everyone "Good stuff, this! Edinburgh/Glasgow-based Rallion have been together since 2003 and feature Dutch-born Marieke McBean who handles all vocal duties, Stevie Lawrence (Ex Iron Horse), Andrew Lyons and FIona Cuthill. Between them they play a variety of string driven things (Bouzouki, Mandola, Cittern, Guitar etc) with the odd whistle and recorder thrown in. Marieke's voice is delightful, which is hardly surprising as she was classically trained from the age of eleven. So is Fiona's fiddle (and occasional Viola) playing. Outstanding guitar from Stevie throughout, driving or sensitive at need and technically really sound. Highlights for me are a tune set called Sleepless, and a rather quirky version of the old chestnut P stands for Paddy. Good fun being had by a group of fine musicians all well grounded in the Ceilidh and session scene. I have a few issues with the cover design, which is attractive enough but a little difficult to read in places, though I will admit my eyesight is not what it was. Festival bookers should check out their very good website at www.rallion.co.uk and bring them to a wider audience as quick as you like. I reckon they'll go down well." Phil Thomas Visit The Living Tradition here ********************** fRoots - April 2007 Rallion For No One and Everyone (Big Sky BS 126) "Promising debut of 4-pice group (fiddles, vocals, guitar, bouzouki, recorder/whistle) performing mainly Scottish traditional material. The two fiddles of Andrew Lyons and Fiona Cuthill are the pulsing heart of the band: their atmosperic playing has colour, texture and panache. www.bigskystudios.com" Visit fRoots here ********************** The Folk Mag - March 2007 Rallion: 'For No One And Everyone' (Big Sky Records BS126, Unit 11, Tweedbank Craft Centre, Haining Drive, Tweedbank, Galashiels TD1 3RJ, ring 01896 751326 or visit www.bigskystudios.com)"A very impressive first album from this young semi-pro Scottish band based in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The last sentence needs a bit of qualification because Marieke McBean on vocals, bodhran, djembe and guitar was born in the Netherlands and fiddler Andrew Lyons is English. Both are united in their love of Scottish traditional music and Andrew has made a particularly good job of absorbing the Scottish fiddle style. The songs and tunes are all traditional or modern compositions in the traditional style. There are some interesting song choices. I particularly liked Susanna Martin, a traditional song about a woman hanged in the Salem witchcraft trials. There are some excellent tunes written by band members - a slow air by Andrew Lyons and a set of four tunes by Fiona Cuthill. I wasn't too sure about their unusual arrangement of P Stands For Paddy but it didn't spoil the overall enjoyment. I look forward to seeing them at a festival this summer." Visit The Folk Mag here ********************** "An album of great strength and persuasion, with powerful folksong in meaningful mode. Jazz intonations, vocals free from any twee folkritude, instruments played with flair, dash and precision, plus some excellent compositions alongside the traditional pieces." ********************** "'For No-One And Everyone' is the band’s first recording and it is a nice mix of material. I liked their version of the traditional song Fine Flowers in Valley and Ewan McColl’s ‘Fisherman’s Wife’." **********************
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