Celtic Music Reviews: 2007/10

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"Forevermore" by Answer Hymn

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Answer Hymn
Album: "Forevermore"
Year produced: 2007

This Christian band has roots that are a blend of Celtic, New Age, pop and world folk--an eclectic, but successful place they have chosen to fashion their style and sounds from. The songs on this CD have classic themes such as Saints, love and happiness, and they have the cord of the musician's faith running throughout as a constant as well.

The vocals fold in with the instrumentation, with the sound of the women's voices comfortingly reminiscent of a church choir on many of the tracks. Check out track 12 to hear "Kyrie Eleison" which features soft, female vocals that whisper through the track--a bit "Enya" like. (In other words--pretty!)

The group's Christian roots run deep and their name was chosen to highlight it. Those searching for something to reflect that faith in music will enjoy this CD immensely. This is praise music--there is no doubt. If you are looking for something original in that genre, this will both please you and soothe you.

Buy the Album: "Forevermore"

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 Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at http://www.moonbeamdigital.com/.

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, October 26, 2007.
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"Dancin' Cross the Strings" by Steve and Ruth Smith

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Steve and Ruth Smith
Album: "Dancin' Cross the Strings"
Year produced: 2007

What do you get when you put together two musicians from the Blue Ridge Mountains with a Scots-Irish background? You get a CD packed with music of Appalachia. Music from this area of the country was brought there by the early settlers, who were--you guessed it--Scots-Irish.

You'll hear a variety of sounds on this instrumental album, including the hammered dulcimer, guitar, flute, fiddle, bodhran and clawhammer banjo. It makes for a very intriguing "stew" of sound. The overall effect is relaxing and dreamlike--carrying the listener along for the ride. Somewhat like a Celtic "New Age" sound, this CD really would be the perfect accompaniment to a hot mug of tea and a relaxing afternoon spent looking out the window at the world going by.

The arrangements here are well done, and although the music is relaxing, it isn't boring or solely background music. The musicianship shows through and begs for the ear and the dulcimer is used in a very gentle way much of the time--blending in and flowing rather than screaming for attention. The effect is quite nice and Ruth's touch is definitely cultivated well. Sit back and relax with this album--get a little lost in the sound and enjoy...

Buy the Album: "Dancin' Cross the Strings"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, October 26, 2007.
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"Thyme Awaye" by Thyme Awaye

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Thyme Awaye
Album: "Thyme Awaye"
Year produced: 2007

What a terrific CD! Full of verve, Thyme Awaye has a totally unique vocal quality, with a sound that is as particular to her genre as Stevie Nicks is to rock and roll. The songs on this CD fill the range; from soft and gentle to peppy and energetic.

Favorites here include the first track "Highland Harry" which is delivered with finesse, and track 3 "Black is the Color," in which the sensitivity of the lyrics are softly offered to the listener. There are also fine renditions of "Wild Mountain Thyme" and "Drunken Sailor" among the tracks here. Thyme Awaye brings something fresh to each of the familiar tunes and makes them a bit new all over again.

Listening to the album makes one want to hear Thyme Awaye live--there is something about the vocals that you just know would be amazing in person. That said, listening to them on CD is the next best thing! Involved in music and performing since age 12, one can hear the polish in her music and the love for song shines through clearly. A fine album.

Buy the Album: "Thyme Awaye"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, October 26, 2007.
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"Arse Biscuits" by Patrick's Head

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Patrick's Head
Album: "Arse Biscuits"
Year produced: 2007

This Philadelphia-based band's most recent release, "Arse Biscuits," is true to their style--you could call it "acoustic with teeth" since it sinks in instead of fading away. The folk stylings are there, but this is not a blend into the background type band by any stretch of the imagination. The vocals are delivered with the utmost sincerity and the music follows suit.

Songs like "The Sick Note," tell a little story and have a great sense of wry humor, and if you can hear the title "Kilts Up, Knickers Down" without cracking a smile, it might be time to worry that your sense of humor is drying up! This isn't just a romp album though, the sound delivered is full and strong and vocal quality is stellar here as well.

Track 13, "The Town I Loved So Well" is a touching song that many can probably relate to on some level and is wistful and pretty all at the same time. The CD has a nice flow to it. Not content to limit itself to a narrow sound, Patrick's Head will stretch itself here and there and they succeed quite well each time--the CD is sweet, fun and funny.

Buy the Album: "Arse Biscuits"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, October 05, 2007.
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"Better Than Live" by Marooned

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Marooned
Album: "Better Than Live"
Year produced: 2007

This is CD number two from Marooned and it's a real auditory treat. Harmony is the true backbone of it all here; a capella-style. The vocal sounds are sometimes eerie, sometimes fun, but always excellent in quality. This is no amateur hour, and the use of voice is unique, not always following an expected pattern. The women's vocal harmonies are crisp and crystal clear as in track 7, "My True Love." When the men's voices join them it brings a richness and full dimension to the sound. Having an entire album without music is a challenge to do and make sure it is still listenable, but it is done without effort here.

The band began in 1995 in Las Vegas at the "Age of Chivalry Faire," and they have performed extensively at a variety of faires since then in addition to recording CDs. Some of the individual members have come and gone through the band over time, but most seem to circle back here and there and make an appearance.

If you like to lose yourself in harmony, this is a must have CD. Track 12 has Marooned singing rounds and it is incredibly well done. You'll get a full 15 tracks--all filled with some satisfying sounds, be they happy or filled with longing. The last song--"The Dutchman"--tops everything off nicely; a solid ending to a delightful album.

Buy the Album: "Better Than Live"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, October 05, 2007.
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"Simply Entitled" by John Wiseman

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: John C. Wiseman
Album: "Simply Entitled"
Year produced: 2007

This well-named CD is truly a simple, pleasant mixture of music put together by John Wiseman. The first track is a lovely instrumental, followed by an amusing tune about a bus that is sure to bring a chuckle. The CD has a nice variety of sounds and songs and Wiseman brings to his music influences from an eclectic musical background which includes Celtic, country, rock, folk and the Renaissance Faire circuit.

This is his first solo album, but he is no stranger to the musical scene--having played with both bands "Minstrosity" and "Merry Measure" in the past. Guitar and mandolin are his instruments of choice, and his vocals have a tenuous but pleasant sound that comes across very sincere. The CD has Wiseman delivering his own heartfelt rendition of Danny Boy, which is gentle and has a simple flute accompanying--which is almost like a voice itself.

As a man who has had a long love affair with music, it is nice to see John Wiseman stretch his "wings" and try an album of his own, expressing himself fully. He manages well and the fact that he enjoys what he is doing shines through in both the mood and tone of the CD. No pretenses here--just a man and his music--and sharing his love of it with others.

Buy the Album: "Simply Entitled"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, October 05, 2007.
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"Drive Me Mad!" by Fiddler's Green

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Fiddler's Green
Album: "Drive Me Mad!"
Year produced: 2007

If you find it odd that a band from Germany can serve up some Irish "speedfolk" music with the best of them, you aren't alone--but the fact remains, Fiddler's Green does just that. Around now for over 17 years, this is a band that can hold its own, even switching out a player here and there without losing their sound. People have referred to their sound as a sort of ska/Celtic folk, which fits well--but can't really sum the band up entirely.

The clever, light humor in many Irish traditional-style tunes is present here and mixes well with the heavy groove of the band, presenting "punk" sounds--Celtic style. Fans of The Pogues or Flogging Molly will love this sound. Interestingly, you'll also hear some vocal harmonies here that are typically an unusual sound to come forth in this type of music--but it really works.Twenty tracks make this CD a no-brainer in terms of an investment.

Right from the first track, "Irish Air" everything is off to a great start, and the pleasure doesn't stop there. Don't miss track 14, "(You) Drive Me Mad" with its irresistible rhythm. Really, this was a great CD from start to finish, layered with different sounds but laced together with unstoppable energy all the way through.

Buy the Album: "Drive Me Mad!"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Friday, October 05, 2007.
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