Ceilidh Party

Shreds & Patches "... a few of the tracks did have me hopping around in the front room ...The musical styles range from "Irish session" through English, Scots to "Pogues Irish" ... there is a good selection of circle, long ways, and square dances , Rocky II, Eightsome Reel, Mountain Road, Random Notes, Cock-a-Leekie, Summer Set, ThingumaJigs, and Over the Hill are all good sets, played well, and suit the dances. ... The lovely Tommy Bhetty's Waltz is the best track on the CD, with some beautiful flute playing to go with the circle waltz. ... Altogether a good idea by a good band of musicians.."

Fiddle On "ThingumaJig has been around since 1998, and it shows in the precision of their playing. All the notes are there (and in the right order); speeds are nicely judged; some - but not too many - liberties are taken with rhythm and harmony. ...it works as listening music, even for a hoary old folky like me, and on that basis I enjoyed many of the tunes, especially their version of 'Cooleys'."

Surrey Folk News "The CD contains all the familiar dance tunes like "Cock of the North", "Galopede", "Foxhunter's Jig", and John Ryan's Polka" collected in danceable sets. The sleeve even contains instructions for five dances if your caller is double-booked.
I'm biased but, I wanted to hear more fiddle; in the eightsome reel set the combination was perfect - Philippe's faultless flute against mandolin and Peter's fiddle. In previous tracks, the catchy and furious rhythm gives the mandolin and banjo players plenty of notes to pick, with flute or melodeon nicely balanced, but (and this is their secret) not always at the same time, producing a varied sound that makes this a delightful treat for the mere listener too."

Around Kent Folk "It's described as anglo-celtic dance music and brief instructions for 5 dances are included. All dancers will recognise most of the tune sets - Floiwng Tide, Cock of the North, Cooley's, Salmon Tails, Rowan Tree, Rocky Road to Dublin, Whiskey in the Jar and New Rigged Ship. all played to a high standard - exciting and easy listening to non dancers. Be warned - the cover caption says the CD may cause involuntary physical movement. It is very difficult to keep still whilst listening, very infections."

Tradition "On the ThingumaJig CD... the McClellands are two and the Blackthorn trio, including Barnes are augmented to a party sound by David Sheldon, keyboards, Tom Phelan, bass guitar and Ollie Boorman on drums, plus contributions from Bob Ash on Highland pipes, Simon Southgate (also engineer) on percussion, and Lara Holding on backing vocals. Also mentioned are dancers/callers John and Liz Scholey, with this incarnation since its inception in 1998. The otherwise useful booklet omits to say which male sings the songs, but does give instructions for five dance sets and notation for a composed track so musicians can play along - a rarity. ...All tracks are fine and mostly up tempo ... with Wild Mountain Thyme the restful moment. The beauty of this album is that it's multi-purpose: for listening at home, playing along, having a party and getting familiar with the dancing, especially if you plan to hire the band. You kow these tunes even if you don't recognise the titles."

Orpington Folk Club "There are 14 tracks, each set of tunes for a specified dance. Brief instructions for 5 of the dances is provided in the booklet. The music is bright and lively with a varied instrumentation and is easy on the ear."

Irish Dancing Magazine "In England, Hobgoblin Music has done massive work down the years to introduce and encourage amateur musicians to have a go - buy an instrument at reasonable cost and learn some music, mostly in the folk idiom. The founders are a couple, Pete and Mannie McClelland, and they're fair testimony to the principles of Hobgoblin - Pete can play virtually every type of instrument in the shop and Mannie isn't far behind!
Their idea of heaven is not cruising the Pacific as proprietors of a very successful business, rather to be in the midst of like minded musicians playing for set dancers, Barn dancers, square dancers and all other permutations of folkies that these islands throw up.
Numerous requests for them to produce a CD have manifest themselves in this offering. In typical Hobgoblin style, it is a practical DIY tool for making 'dance'.
A booklet is available to go with the CD that explains snippets of Irish, English, Scottish and other dances, and whereas it makes no pretensions at being ‘authoritative' in this field, it is directed to 'informal social gatherings, school events, parties, weddings' and so on, to make up their own ceilidhs. Nice idea!
The music is excellent, with several folk musicians, including finalists of BBC's 'Young Folk Musician of the Year'. Interspersed with the tunes are a few songs to give the dancers a chance to get their breath back - but guys, did you have to include 'Whisky In The Jar'? Aaaargh!
This is great stuff and they're always delighted to welcome a nice reel or hornpipe dancer at any of their events, so keep practicing, young Irish Rinceoir."