Celtic Music Reviews: 2006/05

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"Scatter Pipes" by Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer
Album: "Scatter Pipes"
Year produced: 2006

Scottish Smallpipes have a unique sound to them, a little lighter and brighter than the ear is used to with normal pipes. Combine that with the sound of the guitar and other instruments here and there and you have the crux of this CD. The ten years Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer have been playing together shows, and they blend their sounds smoothly.

The musical arrangements highlight just a couple instruments at a time, making for a clear, simple tune that is easy on the ears. The flute is crisp and bright, as it should be. The sound of the guitar can sometimes bring an almost new age feel to some of the tracks; an interesting result that sets this CD apart from others.

The songs that have vocals are also well done. Dyer takes the lead with a very nice voice for song, complimented in harmony by Swan, who supports in a whisper soft voice behind him. The two musicians seem to have figured out a direction that really works for them, and still allows them both the opportunity to rise to their respective strengths and shine. It makes for a good team effort, and a well done CD.

Buy the Album: "Scatter Pipes"

Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among others and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at http://www.moonbeamdigital.com/.

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Tuesday, May 30, 2006.
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"The Celtic Rose" by Marita Brake

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Marita Brake
Album: "The Celtic Rose"
Year produced: 2005

I don't know what is more impressive--the fact this CD is all original by Blake and her producer (Kent Thompson) or the fact that it is all so good! In a genre that can tend to repeat itself often, it is an exciting thing when an artist comes along with great new material. There is that wonderful flow to this album that many try for, but few achieve. Track slips into track--effortlessly--and yet it is not the same sound over and over. It ebbs and flows.

Some tracks have an almost "New Age" feel to them, but not in a generic way. Track 7, Innisfree is the type of song that you can put on, close your eyes and drift right off into another world. It is meditative. In spite of the "otherworldliness" of many of the tracks, the music manages to stay in touch with the listener's heart.

Brake's voice easily spans the range from low to high, but hits its greatest richness is in the lower notes. You'll hear this especially on track 12, "On Me Mother's Grave" which is sung a cappella. This CD can be enjoyed for her skill, for the lyrics, or for the musical arrangements. Any one of these things by itself is a masterpiece, but put all of it together and it is truly magical.

Buy the Album: "The Celtic Rose"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, May 28, 2006.
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"Of Irish Crossings Told" by O'hAnleigh

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: O'hAnleigh
Album: "Of Irish Crossings Told"
Year produced: 2006

This CD has quite a fabulous variety of music, instruments and vocals. Highlighting the Irish-American sounds of everything from traditional Celtic music to totally original arrangements, there are a great deal of things to listen to. You'll hear penny whistles, spoons, shakers, bouzouki, mandolin, harmonica, steel and nylon string guitar, bowed psaltery, banjo, bass and of course the fiddle among other instruments here.

A springy version of Rising of the Moon is a particularly light rendition, and the harmonies on this CD are very smooth. Different songs highlight different instruments, which keep things interesting throughout. The tender vocals on "Tis the Last Rose of Summer" were particularly lovely.

There are quite a few tracks (14, to be exact) to choose from here, and the contrast between the gentleness of songs like Last Rose (above) and the fun, rousing romps like "Black Velvet Band" give this compilation an interesting range. There is humour, depth and fun, so it should appeal to many, just like good Celtic music should!

Buy the Album: "Of Irish Crossings Told"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, May 28, 2006.
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"Charm & Fire" by Maidens III

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Maidens III
Album: "Charm & Fire"
Year produced: 2006

Listening to the music on this CD it is very difficult to believe that these ladies are so young--they have totally mastered their instruments. The only time you hear it is in their lovely and innocent-sounding voices, which ring with the purity that only comes with youth. A mixture of Celtic and Folk music, the tracks range from reels to jigs to ballads and more.

The young ladies are sisters who have played together for much of their lives, which explains how the music is so incredibly tight. The slower songs are filled with yearning and the upbeat have an energy that is packed full--even energetic by the standards of Celtic music! Whatever you do, don't miss track 3, "As I Was Going To Ballynure" for its skillful arrangement.

This CD is titled very appropriately--these young women are charming as can be and they sparkle with musical energy that could aptly be described as fire. Violin, Guitar, Viola and Bodhran are some of the instruments highlighted here and it makes for pretty music. Accomplished playing and sweet vocals are the simple keys to this album's magic--it is very well done.

Buy the Album: "Charm & Fire"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, May 26, 2006.
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"The Tea Merchants" by The Tea Merchants

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: The Tea Merchants
Album: "The Tea Merchants"
Year produced: 2005

For three guys who modestly claim they started a band to "procure grocery money and a free evening tab at the bar" these fellows sure can play! The self-titled CD opens strong with some traditional Irish fare, which continues throughout all 8 tracks. The only complaint I had for these fine gentlemen is that they needed more songs on the album!

The sound is very full, and the instruments ring forth loud and clear, never sounding muddled. The arrangements are actually pretty complex, pushing the music (and musicians) to their capacity and giving the listener the feel that they are going all out for the enjoyment of it. You can literally hear the passion in the songs. This, when it happens, is a rare and beautiful thing.

If you are looking for something a little bit different, check out track 7 (Polkas and Slides) for a fun romp. Truthfully, all of the tracks on this CD were darn good. Each of these musicians brings a very unique styling to the instrument that they play, but they all meld together well, rather than being one pitted against the other. For a big, yummy Irish melting pot of music with some extra special zing tossed in to spice it up, put these guys in and press play.

Buy the Album: "The Tea Merchants"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, May 05, 2006.
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