Happy Feet - Smiddymade SMD610 & CSMD610 - consists of over one hour of
ceilidh music played by the band at ceilidhs all over Scotland and the rest of
Europe. A Foot tapping lively recording designed to take the ceilidh into your
home and featuring favourite dances and songs.
What the music press said :
".............Well, how about "great" or "terrific" or "wonderful" or "a
delight to listen to"? Perm as many of these as you like to come up with your
personal opinion of this elegantly-melodious album." - Alasdair MacLean
for Scots Magazine
".............with Dashing White Sergeant and Virginia Reel almost taking
off. The Benachally Ceilidh Band on "Happy Feet" are an answer to a ceilidh
fan's prayers." - John O'Regan for Rock 'n' Reel (England)
".............Just as the legendary Bob Wills based his western Swing round
twin fiddles, so the Benachally boys play to the strengths of Pete Clark and
Martin MacLeod in this department and I doubt if there's any band playing in
Scotland could match them. With the accordion in the capable hands of Jim
Leighton and Jake Donnelly on banjo, and the engine room of Martin Hadden on
bass and Martin Dibbs on drums providing a full head of steam, the temptation to
dance along is very strong indeed" - Alan Brown, ABC "Comment"
".............their music is lively and, with two fiddles, quite distinctive,
as is their choice of tunes" - Bobby Harvey, Scottish Memories
".............If you are a member of a dance club, or you want to jig around
at home, hold a ceilidh but can't afford a band or just have a yen for the good
old days of Sandie McPherson and the White Heather Club, then this is the album
for you." - SB, Folk on Tap
".............The instruments all blend well together to give a crisp, tight
and clear sound with the twin fiddles in particular in the driving seat. All in
all a fine performance, even if the choice of song for the last dance might take
traditionalists by surprise. What is it? Buy the CD and find out!" -
Gordon Potter,
The Living Tradition
".............Ebullient, vigorous stuff but within self-imposed bounds. I'd
imagine they serve their chosen purpose admirably." - Folk Roots
".............If you prefer your ceilidh band in a traditional vein, we
recommend the Benachally Ceilidh Band and their aptly titled CD, Happy Feet.
This is definitely a band of talented musicians................ The band's
distinctive sound is found in the twin fiddles of Pete Clark and Martin MacLeod.
Jake Donnelly adds the odd instrument (banjo or mandolin) to the mix as well as
his warm voice. -
U.S. SCOTS Magazine
".......great album for your Home Ceilidh." - Michael Moll, Folkworld
......The Benachally Ceilidh Band's debut release, sees the band ripping
through an hour or so of electrifying dance music." - Chris Beynon,
Traditional Music Maker
".........Anyone planning a ceilidh would be well advised to order this
album." - SCOTS Magazine - Australia
"........The 17 tracks on Happy Feet are mostly
bouncing medleys of traditional dance tunes, featuring a lot of reels and
two-steps mixed with an occasional waltz or schottische, arranged with a classic
Scottish dance hall sound that borrows a few licks from American country music,
all of it good time barn dance music played crisply and with a steady smile." -
TN, Dirty Linen - USA
"........If I were organising a Scots ceilidh then I'd happily let Benachally
do the honours." - Mike Greenwood, Taplas - Wales
