Battlefield Band's line-up has changed yet again, but with Happy Daze , the quality has remained as high as ever. I particularly liked the middle tune that combined high spirits and a minor key. The first tune works very well as a lullaby and features some nice interplay between Katz and McCusker on whistles and guest Simon Thoumire on concertina. Boy falls in love and starts courting. Boy meets girl's family, gains their approval, and marries the girl.
Problem is, the curling is nothing but a plot device to get the couple together.
Cider-making or a market day could have served the purpose just as well. I'd never have left you there. There's a strong hint in this version that shepherd boy is just too proper for the girl's taste. I found Polwart's singing to be somewhat restrained for the subject manner, but that is scarcely worth complaining about. Happy we will be.