Celtic Music Reviews: 2007/11

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"OK Pewter" by Mabon

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Mabon
Album: "OK Pewter"
Year produced: 2007

Recorded in Wales--the place Mabon calls home--this energetic folk album gives more than a nod to its Celtic roots and can be happily added to any fan of the style's collection and fit right in. Helmed by accordionist Jamie Smith, the band has evolved to a seven-piece group. Their full sound can be compared to the pleasure one gets when listening to "big band" music--but Celtic style, and more modern.

The instruments are used well, and you'll hear a wide variety of them in addition to the accordion including the mandolin, flute, fiddle, acoustic guitar, bass and bodhran, among many others. The music tumbles and grooves, sometimes spinning wildly with its own energy, but it always settles back into a rhythm that feels good and right for the song. The mood of much of the music is that of barely contained enthusiasm, which spills over and affects the listener--in a good way! Make sure to give track 7, "A Hungarian in Brittany" a listen--the pacing is irresistible and although the song is over 10 minutes long, it holds one's attention effortlessly.

This is a very creative CD, blending cutting-edge style with tradition without being obvious or typical about it. The musicians are all skilled players that have blended their talents in a way that has moved the genre forward. It will be interesting to see this group grow and evolve--they are already at the top of their game--what's next?

Buy the Album: "OK Pewter"

Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at www.catherineltully.com.

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, November 25, 2007.
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"Tales from Windsor's Tavern" by The Merry Wives of Windsor

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: The Merry Wives of Windsor
Album: "Tales from Windsor's Tavern"
Year produced: 2007

This CD gets right off to a rousing start with the first track, "Windsor's Cider," which is a wonderful number with lyrics that will have you singing right along from the beginning. Not all Renaissance Faire style music is appealing to the average listener, but the Wives infuse the songs with their own style and give it a wider range of "listenablility."

The songs give one a healthy variety, from wistful tunes such as "Green Fields of France," which feature a lone, rich voice that evolves into harmony with the other ladies as the song moves forward, gaining momentum. Also look for the old favorite "Whiskey in the Jar," which is hidden away under the name "Jenny's Story." You won't leave wanting--there are 17 solid tracks on the album.

The thing that sets these ladies apart are the spectacular harmonies they put forth with such seeming ease. The innocence in their voices is refreshing--and sometimes surprising, given the subject matter, which can get a bit risqué at times. They tackle many different tunes here, and always with confidence; these ladies never sound timid or tentative. The CD is worth listening to just to hear all of these ladies singing together--it doesn't get any better than this with the three and four part harmonies.

Buy the Album: "Tales from Windsor's Tavern"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Sunday, November 25, 2007.
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"Visions and Dreams" by Catherine Duc

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Catherine Duc
Album: "Visions and Dreams"
Year produced: 2005

Catherine Duc is an award-winning musician and this CD highlights her many talents. Wistful and pretty, the "new age" style, ambient, Celtic mix is one that is sure to please fans of singers such as Enya. The music is simple and refreshing; terrific to sit back and just mellow out to. It won't make you sleepy, but it will take you down a notch if you find yourself keyed up.

The instrumentation here makes use of many different sounds; listen for Bolivian and shakuhachi flute, dulcimer, guitar, chimes and kalimba in the songs. Even the Japanese-style taiko drums make an appearance. There is an electronica feel to the CD, but it isn't overly processed--reflecting Duc's music production background. Instead the album comes across as quite polished and very well done.

"Visions and Dreams" doesn't blaze a brand new trail for itself or listeners, but the work is very good nonetheless. The overall mood is uplifting and positive, and each track offers something of interest to the ear without being too demanding. If you are looking for a good new age, Celtic style CD to put on while you relax and take a break from the world, this one is a good choice.

Buy the Album: "Visions and Dreams"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, November 22, 2007.
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"Five Hand Reel" by Five Hand Reel

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Five Hand Reel
Album: "Five Hand Reel"
Year produced: 1987

The unusual Scottish/Irish/English band from the 1970s was ahead of their time in sound. This is a terrific album, filled with traditional sounds which are blended with electric instrumentation and a cool, often understated, rock vibe. The thing that makes the combination so different is that the music still manages to present a "folk" feel much of the time--not an easy thing to accomplish considering all that is thrown in the pot together.

"Five Hand Reel" is the band's first effort, and it previews what would become their sound in later efforts. The band did continue to evolve and experiment throughout their time together, but this is the root of where it all began. Songs like "The Death of Argyll" are very moody, while other tracks are full of the perk and pep that typically characterize the more upbeat Celtic songs.

With Celtic rock, the mix of old and new is a mood and sound that are totally set by the individual band, depending on their preference. What is neat here is that the rock influence is definitely dialed in, but it is added to the Celtic music rather than trying to replace it. The two sounds are mixed together without losing their individual character, which makes for a pleasurable, if somewhat unexpected listen.

Buy the Album: "Five Hand Reel"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Thursday, November 22, 2007.
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"Rose in the Heather" by FIMM

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: FIMM
Album: "Rose in the Heather"
Year produced: 2006

Short and sweet to be sure, but there is a lot of sound packed into the five tracks set up here on FIMM's "Rose in the Heather." There is a very progressive, modern edge to the music as well, but it is steeped in traditional sound also, so it should intrigue many Celtic music lovers rather than put them off. The album isn't different just to be different, but rather takes a cue from the sounds of the instruments and pace of the songs as to the direction it asserts itself.

The harmonizing on track 3, "Twa Corbies" (two ravens) impresses with its unusual combination of pretty and rough, and is punctuated occasionally by the irregular thump of the drum beat. Each song here has something unique to contribute--its own story--and one is left with the feeling that nothing was left to chance on this CD. It gives the listener the feeling that the album was "crafted" rather than compiled.

From start to finish, this is a very enjoyable piece of work that leaves one wanting more. Reels, jigs and a lament make for a nice, rounded collection of sounds, making the CD more of a listening experience than a collection of disparate songs. A delight.

Buy the Album: "Rose in the Heather"

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, Monday, November 19, 2007.
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"Fianchetto" by Queen's Gambit

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Queen's Gambit
Album: "Fianchetto"
Year produced: 2007

Queen's Gambit can always guarantee a good listen, and in their own "lighthearted" tradition, they deliver just that on, "Fianchetto." (Just in case you are wondering, "fianchetto" is Italian for "little flanking;" a chess pattern involving the bishop--of course!) The Oklahoma-based Celtic band is generally known for their pretty far-reaching mixture of styles which include both Irish and Scottish traditional music in addition to a smattering of others, such as Renaissance music and English Folk.

This CD is really focused on the instrumental, however--highlighting the sound of various instruments as "voice." Some gorgeous harmonies are here from the ladies on "Galway Shawl" which is especially lovely as those delicate voices weave their way through the song together. What results is a somewhat relaxing combination of tracks--never striving too hard to show off, but instead staying true to their sound and presenting themselves for a delightful listen, and it all works nicely! As usual the band delivers plenty of songs, and does so with ease, style and--thanks to the ladies--even grace.

Buy the Album: "Fianchetto"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Monday, November 19, 2007.
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"14 Miles To Boston" by Jolly Rogues

by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Jolly Rogues
Album: "14 Miles To Boston"
Year produced: 2006

Nearly everything this band does has its basis in history. The title of the CD, for example, harkens back to the 1700's, and refers to the distance from the Hartwell tavern to Boston. The album is filled with variety--Irish and Scottish music--children's songs, ballads and more, taking one back in time to days where music was one of the best ways to relieve the stress of the day. You'll find true emotions here--sometimes sad, sometimes merry.

The band itself sounds terrific--really smooth, and although the musicianship is stellar here, the more voices on the track, the better it sounds. When they all sing together, you really get a feel of people gathering to make the best of their lives and sharing their joys and sorrows. It feels good to be transported there through song.

With wonderful, traditional songs, good sound and a healthy respect for our heritage as well as that of the Celtic ancestors who brought their music here, this band is pretty amazing. Weaving all those strands together, this CD is truly a great listen, as it speaks right to the heart.

Buy the Album: "14 Miles To Boston"

--posted by Catherine L. Tully, Tuesday, November 06, 2007.
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