We are thrilled to receive a glowing album review by Early Music America for 'Topping Tooters'! Here are some highlights:
'CITY MUSICK TRIUMPHS TOASTING TOPPING TOOTERS' - CD Review by Mike Telin:
'Why these are the city waits, who play every winter’s night through the streets to rouse each lazy drone to family duty. These are the topping tooters of the town, and have gowns, silver chains, and salaries, for playing “Lilliburlero” to my Lord Mayor’s horse through the city. — Ned Ward, The London Spy, 1709
'Thus begin the liner notes for The Topping Tooters of the Town: Music of the London Waits 1580-1650, the latest CD from William Lyons and his top-notch, London-based Renaissance band, The City Musick, which takes its title from Ward’s flight of alliteration...'
'...This brilliant album pays homage to their important role in London’s musical life around the turn of the 17th century.'
'...lovely phrasing and ornamentation...'
'Here, The City Musick “brass” — cornetts and sackbuts — vibrantly capture Adson’s infectious syncopated rhythms...'
'A set of seven pieces by the ubiquitous Renaissance composer Anonymous, arranged by Lyons, alternates loud and soft instruments in lively tunes, stately dances, and nimble shawm duets...'
'vivacious...'