A fascinating evening - bit of a slow burn, but warming up nicely by the end of the first half, when the slight bewilderment of seeing J&J in the context of classical concert-going had worn off.

The unique mix of the Tacet’s instruments (viola, cello, flutes, clarinets and a near Floodian variety of percussion with added vibraphone and marimba) made for fascinating textures, and the melodeon/concertina found its place in the mix. It allowed J&J to unleash their musical imagination, especially in Barbara Allen, where Jon explored the new sounds (including wonderfully dramatic ’glass harmonica’ effects on the vibraphone). The English Year and Edge were both pieces that I hope have a life beyond this project.

J&J’s pieces were wonderful. Interesting to hear an unamplifed Outlandish Knight, after the full ’wellie’ of Bellowhead. Jiggerypokerwork etc. and Three Tunes worked fantastically well - and an unannounced Sportsman’s Hornpipe was gorgeous. Then a beautifully sly ’Horn Fair’, just a few miles from where it was collected by RVW.

I’ve now heard them un-miked and I’ve seen them sitting down. Delightful that their musicianship and imagination can blend with the contemporary classical genre and work so well. A concert, for sure, not a gig, so as per convention, audience listened in appreciative silence, were deeply embarrassed when asked to sing ’Way, Haul Away’, and applauded warmly at the end of each piece. No jigging in the aisles...