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The album kicks off an enthusiastic mandolin-led version of the old traditional Cluck Old Hen picked fervently by Darrin Schott with some solid backup guitar by long-time musical partner Alison Schott. In fact, the entire album features just Darrin and Alison and honestly doesn't need anything more. The two of them have been playing together for the past 25 years and this is their first release. The playing experience between the two of them is apparent right from the first note. The culmination of 25 years of energy and practice come together on this album, immortalized in a beautiful blend of traditional and original tunes, it's well mixed, the instrumentation is spot on, the writing is great. This CD hasn't left my stereo since it arrived in my home, keep on pickin' Schotts. (by Tim Osmond) - BLUEGRASS CANADA, Volume 6 Issue 1 January 2012
According to the liner
notes, Darrin and Alison
Schott have been play.ing
and performing together ~
25 years and this is their
CD. How incredibly selfish
of them to deny the world
wider access to their stunning
talent.
This bluegrass duo-Alison
on guitar and vocals
and Damn on mandolin
and vocals-are spectacular
players and singers, their
voices meshing seamlessly
after a quarter-century of
collaboration.
Darrin can hold his own
with any mandolin player
you care to name. All of the
songs were recorded without
overdubs, an impressive
achievement considering the
intricacy of his playing.
Alison has a gorgeous voice
it's a shame it is not featured
more often on this disc.
All but four of the 13
tracks are originals and the
covers they have chosen
blend beautifully with their
style. The question is when
will the next album be released?
Soon, we hope.
- By Doug Swanson - penguin eggs, Issue No.54 Summer 2012 pg 66
Discography
CD - The Schotts
Released - October 2, 2011
13 Tracks, 9 Original, 2 Traditional, 2 Covers
Photos
Bio
The SCHOTTS
After 25 years of making beautiful music together, The Schott's have recently released their eponymous debut CD, recorded "live off the floor" to capture the freshness and energy of their live show. In reaction to some of the original songs on the recording, a fan summed it up best:
".. "Bluejay" made me smile, "Here & Gone" made me cry, "Understood" made me feel strong, "This Old Coat" made me think, "Because You Love Me" made me remember... I guess you could say that I love your CD!
- Tracy Graham, Langton, ON
Darrin and Alison are a picking, singing and song writing duo from South Western Ontario who bring beautiful harmonies and world-class musicianship to their unique blend of country, bluegrass and folk music. They've honed their chops playing in clubs and festivals across Canada and Europe, including a memorable appearance in Nashville on the legendary "Midnight Jamboree".
Darrin began his professional career playing fiddle and mandolin for The Good Brothers when he was just 17 years old. One of Canada's top multi-instrumentalists, he has gone on to play or record with artists such as The Ennis Sisters, The Dixie Flyers, Susan Aglukark, Shane Cook, and Stompin' Tom Connors, lending his talents on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and anything else that has strings. Alison's solid guitar work provides the perfect backdrop for her husband's instrumental talents.
When interpreting songs by Emmylou Harris or Gillian Welch, or singing self-penned originals, her clear, soulful voice never fails to transport the listener to whatever time and place the song is leading. You'll be glad you came along.
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