As a sequel to MSV28520 (Music by Veale and Crawford) here we have a lovely disc of lyrical, pastoral and unashamedly traditional music by Michael Hurd, Robin Milford and Richard Blackford, for recorder, violin and piano and string quartet. Performed by John Turner (recorder), Richard Howarth (violin), Peter Lawson (piano) and the Manchester Chamber Ensemble.

John Turner is one of the leading recorder players of today. Born in Stockport, he was Senior Scholar in Law at Fitzwilliam College Cambridge before pursuing a legal career, acting for many distinguished musicians and musical organisations (including the Halle Orchestra, the Royal Northern College of Music and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain), alongside his many musical activities. These included numerous appearances and recordings with David Munrow's Early Music Consort of London, the Academy of Ancient Music, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields and the English Baroque Soloists.

The Manchester Chamber Ensemble was formed in 2007 drawing on the cream of chamber music specialists in the North West of England who play regularly with fine chamber orchestras such as Manchester Camerata. Sarah Whittingham – violin, Richard Williamson – viola, and Jonathan Price – cello, are all highly experienced chamber musicians who appear regularly with several other similar ensembles and orchestras. Manchester Chamber Ensemble has appeared at important venues in the region including The Bridgewater Hall and The Brindley in Runcorn. Its flexibility enables the performance of a wide range of music requiring any combination of instruments from trios to nonets. Collaborating with guest artists is an important part of the group’s development.

Pianist Martin Roscoe, harpist Catrin Finch and recorder virtuoso John Turner are among the list. The ensemble has a commitment to promote new music and have several recording projects are in the pipeline.