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Paddy Burgin: Square Peg

Instrument maker Paddy Burgin approaches his craft with great attention to detail and loving care, qualities also displayed in the music here on his debut album. 'Square Peg' is a set of original songs where Burgin plays guitar, mandolin and wiessenborn slide. Recorded at Wellington's Braeburn Studios by Robbie Duncan, the clarity and quality of the recording show why Duncan and his studio are becoming the first port of call for the capital's acoustic musicians. It's a folky, easy-paced, acoustic session that highlights Burgin's deft finger picking, especially when using the wiessenborn and it's instrumentally that he really stands out. Although he has a pleasant enough voice, at times Burgin's singing lacks the character needed to make these songs truly come alive. But listen to his slide playing and acoustic picking and you know the connection between Burgin and his instruments is there. Whether making instruments or playing them Paddy Burgin is an acoustic craftsman and this album provides ample evidence of his skill at both.

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