Secret Orders

Secret Orders is the debut release from the Edinburgh-based duo of Claire Mann (flute, fiddle, whistle and vocals) and Aaron Jones (bouzouki, guitar, bass and vocals). The opening set of reels firmly establishes their excellent instrumental chops, Mann overdubbing flute and fiddle with equal aplomb and Jones anchoring the rhythm section on a beautifully resonant 10-string Sobell bouzouki. The songs, which include David Francey's 'Saints and Sinners' and Steve Tilston's 'Slip Jigs and Reels' as well as traditional material, feature wonderfully rich multi-part harmony vocals from a whole rake of Joneses, making one wonder whether some sort of family album mightn't be in the offering at a future date; also on board are bassist Kevin McGuire, bodhrán player Martin O'Neill and accordionist Leo McCann.