The following is an extract from the January Box & Fiddle magazine.
A new release from the much loved and greatly respected Gordon Pattullo is always a highly
anticipated event and Gordon's many fans will be delighted with this exceptional DVD, which
is the follow-up to the much acclaimed Volume One. I would add from the outset that this DVD,
in keeping with standard of Volume One, benefits immensely from excellent technical and
artistic values, which are so often lacking in DVD productions. The DVD has been shot
in 16:9 which will delight everyone who has invested in a widescreen television. To produce 1
hour 43 minutes of quality television production is neither easy nor cheap and all involved
in the production of this outstanding DVD should be warmly congratulated in delivering
a high quality broadcast product. As in Volume One, the show is hosted superbly throughout by
the excellent humour and professionalism of Bill Torrance, who is without question one of
Scotland's finest broadcasters. Bill's interaction with Gordon and his relaxed style,
combined with fabulous musical content from Gordon and his friends, makes for an excellent
evening's television for all who love Scottish accordion music played to the highest
possible standard.
In short this DVD delivers on all fronts and will provide the viewer with hours of viewing
pleasure in the cold winter months that lie ahead. Musically the DVD contains such well
known tunes as The Rakes of Kildare, Highland Laddie, Kenmuir's On and Awa, The Drunken
Piper, Bonnie Dundee, Margaret's Waltz, Boil Them Cabbage Down, Turkey in the Straw,
Martelette, The Laird and the Mason, The Plaza Polka, Maple Sugar, Itchy Fingers, The Devil's
in the Kitchen, The Mason's Apron and the beautiful and evocative Ashokan Farewell.
The DVD also includes the lovely Caroline's Waltz featuring Gordon's son Fraser on low whistle,
a tune Gordon composed for his daughter and an excellent Old Tyme Fiddle Reels set from
fiddle player Angela MacEachern. Gordon's son Fraser is also featured playing his small
pipes and low whistle on The Water is Wide. As well as being rich in excellent musical
content the DVD contains feature material demonstrating various Scottish crafts handed
down through the generations, presented in an informal way, which is neither boring nor
pretentious and is both interesting and highly educational. For example, Fin Moore will
demonstrate how Scottish smallpipes are made, Sid Mitchell, a member and instructor from
the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain, will show us how to build a dry stane
dyke, Joe Aitken will take us back to the era of the Clydesdale horse, we learn how to
make a shepherd's crook and the effervescent and charismatic John Carmichael, in
conversation with Gordon, will take us through the inner workings of the accordion.
Special mention should be made of the excellent Gordon Pattullo Ceilidh Band, which
comprises of Angela MacEachern, John Crawford, Brian Cruickshank, Billy Thom, Billy Young
and Gordon's son Fraser - all tremendous musicians in their own right who expertly
support Gordon throughout this fine recording. I found this DVD extremely enjoyable and
interesting to watch, not just from a musical perspective, but from a human interest
angle as well. It really does have something for everyone and has been presented and produced
the highest possible standard. If you're looking for that last minute Christmas present then
this fabulous DVD would make an excellent gift that will provide plenty of glitz and sparkle
long after the Christmas tree has been recycled.
