May 3, 2016

Review of First Impression from Liverpool Sound and Vision

Chamberlain And Haywood, First Impression. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

It is often surprising when music appears out of seemingly nowhere and the entrancing sound that follows the discovery is almost akin to tracing the White Nile to its source and finding that the waters are intrinsically linked forever to The Tweed; music and water are universal, they both play the same song in the hearts of humanity.

For Paul Chamberlain and Michael Haywood, their debut album First Impression is one in which to savour the joy of discovery that the accordion, saxophone, violin and clarinet not only sit together well as they dance upon the knife edge of innovation but they can produce such uplifting and gregarious beauty as it flows along the entire recording.

The range of traditional songs that will appeal to the listener is noteworthy but not as striking as the absolute richness in which Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Haywood perform, with the perhaps unusual combination of instruments, with innate and breathtaking significance.

It is the pleasure of hearing something that should be seen as a closely guarded secret that takes the journey for the heart to places that never seem possible, that the source of the White Nile and The Tweed are but the same places only interrupted by the remoteness of land.

In tracks such as the opening, almost forsaken and lonely, Shalakho, the excellent Traces of Thrace, the fantastic whirl of Hungarian Dance No. 2 In D MinorGentle Giant Set and the compelling and infectious Tango Pour Claude, the music speaks volumes, it soars and dips in places that are unexpected, unpredictable, suddenly sweeping as if the notes were sails driving the boat further out to sea and the crest of a wave pushing it towards foreign and interesting parts.

Trust in your musical partner is everything and both Mr. Haywood and Mr. Chamberlain have that arguably in abundance, the elation in the music exemplifies this and frames it with pride; it is a sense of pride that is noted, celebrated and above all prominent.

A wonderfully produced debut, serene, full of vigour and life, First Impression is after all what the planet seems to go by.

Ian D. Hall,  April 2016

 

Chamberlain And Haywood, First Impression. Album Review.

May 3, 2016

First Impression CD Launch Concert in Bowden Village Hall

Chamberlain and Haywood in Bowden Village Hall - First Impression CD Launch

Setting up for the concert

On Friday 29th April, Paul and Michael officially launched their debut album First Impression with a concert in Bowden Village Hall. The capacity audience enjoyed a concert featuring all the music on the album as well as some other pieces. Two self-composed pieces, Paul’s Orcadian Sunrise and Michael’s Chessmen Suite were very warmly recieved and the performed two encores at the end of the night.

Chamberlain & Haywood performing in Bowden Village Hall

Mid-concert!

The CD is available from the duo’s website- www.chamberlain-haywood.com and also from Amazon, iTunes and all other digital platforms. On May 14th, Chamberlain and Haywood will be performing at the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh as guests of the Kevock Choir for their annual concert. More information and tickets are available from this link – http://www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/shows/the-kevock-choir-2016

 

April 21, 2016

First Impression – Album Launch Concert

Border Telegraph Article - 19-04-16

April 2, 2016

First Impression – CD Launch Concert – Friday 29th April 2016

Paul & Michael are giving a concert to officially launch their new CD ‘First Impression’ in Bowden Village Hall on Friday 29th April. Come along and enjoy a night of entertainment as the duo perform their unique blend of traditional music from around the world.

Michael Haywood – Violin, Saxophone, Whistle and Clarinet
Paul Chamberlain – Accordion

Tickets are £8 for adults and free entry for U-16s and will be available on the door.

Signed copies of the CD will be available on the night.Paul & Michael are giving a concert to officially launch their new CD 'First Impression' in Bowden Village Hall on Friday 29th April. Come along and enjoy a night of entertainment as the duo perform their unique blend of traditional music from around the world. Michael Haywood - Violin, Saxophone, Whistle and Clarinet Paul Chamberlain - Accordion Tickets are £8 for adults and free entry for U-16s and will be available on the door. Signed copies of the CD will be available on the night.

Border Telegraph Article - 19-04-16