Mazaika (SkinnyFest2)

Promised a "dazzling mix" of Russian songs, gypsy fiddle, opera and jazz, Russian accordionist/tenor Igor Outkine and English violinist Sarah Harrison, technically don't contravene the Trade Descriptions Act. A pity their virtuoso instrumental skills serve a hackneyed light-entertainment cabaret over a more daring, contemporary set. The Flight of the Bumblebee is the opening offender, complete with cliched roving circus spotlights. Closer Kalinka inspires a gauche audience-participation-speedy-up-clap-along. The attempts at "a touch of comedy and drama" are misguided – a terrible skit on Igor drinking "wodka"; Sarah's tap dancing and donning cowboy hat for Orange Blossom Special. An exception is Jealousy, the smouldering tango evoking twenties Paris, and given a eyebrow-raising twist with the sight of a pony-tailed Russian strutting round his partner, squeezebox and all. Romanian tune The Lark showcases the duo's supreme musicianship, breathtaking at its best. Mazaika? A few glimpses of gold among a fair whack of unrefined ore.