Welcome to ‘Dodd’s Discoveries’, a review series from NativeDSD Senior Music Reviewer Bill Dodd. This series focuses on Bill’s latest selections, with new reviews regularly. And the best part… the albums featured in the most current review will be available at a reduced price! Click the button below to see all of Dodd’s Discoveries and to find the current album(s) on sale.
-
Songs of Love & Despair€17,99 – €30,99 -
Boyd Meets Girl€20,99 – €22,99
It should come as no surprise that many of us in my part of the world are a bit tense these days, and I am no exception. Just a couple of weeks ago I was ready to pull my hair out and run screaming into the streets! But that’s when I decided to put on a couple of tracks from Boyd Meets Girl – Rupert Boyd on Guitar, and his wife, cellist Laura Metcalf. I hadn’t listened to them in a while, so I simply lined up their two albums to play while while I worked on a photography project.
The most amazing thing happened…
Within minutes the world seemed like a much better place. I suspect my blood pressure must have dropped, and I found myself smiling.
And what’s not to like! Boyd Meets Girl features selections from Faure, Falla, Bach, Piazolla, and even Part’s Spiegel im Spiegel. All pieces are in arrangements by the couple, and Spiegel im Spiegel is now my favorite recording of that ethereal work.
Their second album, Songs of Love & Despair, is also emotionally transportive to a calmer place, with a delightful variety of short works and songs, all arranged by the couple.
The arrangements, the musicianship, and the recording quality are excellent! You might want to check out Rubert Boyd’s two solo albums as well.
