Continuing the theme of his recent recordings talented all-rounder Tom Mason is still very much in pirate mode for this Christmas album. A genre that has produced some turkeys in the past and one much used as a marketing tool in country music circles. This one however reads less on the sentiment scale and more on fun and festivity side of things. It is a mix of original songs and arrangements of old tunes that include Come O Come Emmanuel, I Saw Three Ships, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Auld Lang Syne. All are delivered with a buccaneering spirit that uplifts and brings a smile to the face and a tap to the toe. There are three instrumentals delivered in a more understated acoustic mode that is both satisfying and subtle.
The band is captained by Tom Mason on guitar, dobro and vocals and they are in fine form and they have made a album that not only fits the season but is one that bears repeated playing and will return to my player over the next few years. It should find favour with folk, roots and also perhaps with Pogues fans. It has a energy that is infectious. Something that is often much needed this time of the year.
Long may these pirates last and its a pity they can't also rule the airwaves as much as their antecedents ruled the waves.