Although this Texas based band is virtually unknown on this side of the pond, they must have visited these shores at some time, if only to find source material. This is evident from some of the songs on the album. So folkies in the States are in for a rare treat, because, as yet these songs may not be widely know in the U.S. Listeners will understand what I mean when listening to Beyond the Pale's rendition of Mick Ryan's song 'The Widows Promise' (here called 'The Widow'), always one of my favourite songs.

Let me introduce the band to you. On Highland bagpipes, and Scottish small pipes is Richard Kean, with Gordon McLeod on fiddle, guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, piano, percussion, and vocals, Christy Mcleod on guitar, percussion, and vocals, John Delaney on: flute, whistles, hammered dulcimer, saxophones, concertina, and vocals, and Betsy Cummings on accordion, percussion, and vocals. Throughout the album, this largely acoustic band blends the instruments together very well. Betsy or Christy can also harmonise seamlessly when the occasion arises, and they also take most of the lead vocals. Strange Turns also contains songs about transportation to Australia, the legend of a wicked king in Ireland, and a music hall song, that used to be sung a lot, that I have not heard for years, called 'With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm', adding just the right amount of humour to make the whole album very entertaining.

Someone once asked me why I like Celtic folk music so much. I replied it must be something in the blood, my being of Scottish Celtic descent. I am sure this is the case with Beyond The Pale. It is a nice easy album that is going to please the listener. This band deserve to be heard by a wider audience, and not just in their home state of Texas. I can wholeheartedly recommend this album and be sure you won't be disappointed.

[Peter Massey]