Rain, Hail or Shine [Enhanced]

Rain, Hail or Shine [Enhanced]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
It's amazing that no matter what personnel changes this band is forced to make, they still come back strong, still sounding like the Scottish band. As Alan Reid is the only original member in this incarnation and John McCusker is a relative newcomer, the loss of Alistair Russell and Iain MacDonald should have been an irreparable blow to a small, tight unit like this. But tenacity and daring have been an element of this band through good times and bad, so once again they stare down adversity and move. Mike Katz replaces MacDonald on the pipes, with a more aggressive style. Russell's heir is Davy Steele, a former member of Clan Alba and Ceolbeg. He not only offers formidable talents as an instrumentalist and singer but adds a new songwriting viewpoint to the band. The album breaks no major new ground here but rather offers determined continuation of the Battlefield sound, with McCusker's fiddle and Reid's keyboards and vocals acting as the grounding and the new blood taking the band down small but interesting new paths. The CD is also enhanced for the computer buff with some video interviews and pictures--nothing astounding, but fun for the fans. --Louis Gibson

Tracks:

Bodachan A Gharaidh/General MacDonald/Craig An Fhithich
Heave Ya Ho
Margaret Ann/Manor Park/Trip To The Bronx
Jenny O' The Braes
Magheracloone/Norland Wind/Royal Scottish Pipers Soc./Gardez Loo/Donald Maclean
The Beaches Of St. Valery
Wee Michael's March/Oot B'est Da Vong
The Lass O' Glencoe
The Canongate Twitch/Steamboat To Detroit/Twenty Pounds Of Gin/Break Yer Bass Drone

Amazon.com

It's amazing that no matter what personnel changes this band is forced to make, they still come back strong, still sounding like the Scottish band. As Alan Reid is the only original member in this incarnation and John McCusker is a relative newcomer, the loss of Alistair Russell and Iain MacDonald should have been an irreparable blow to a small, tight unit like this. But tenacity and daring have been an element of this band through good times and bad, so once again they stare down adversity and move. Mike Katz replaces MacDonald on the pipes, with a more aggressive style. Russell's heir is Davy Steele, a former member of Clan Alba and Ceolbeg. He not only offers formidable talents as an instrumentalist and singer but adds a new songwriting viewpoint to the band. The album breaks no major new ground here but rather offers determined continuation of the Battlefield sound, with McCusker's fiddle and Reid's keyboards and vocals acting as the grounding and the new blood taking the band down small but interesting new paths. The CD is also enhanced for the computer buff with some video interviews and pictures--nothing astounding, but fun for the fans. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

The Sound of Scotland Rocks!.......2007-03-09

This is another great album from Battlefield Band. The tunes are magical and catchy and you'll find yourself singing them all day, wanting to dance little jigs. Up beat and exciting to listen to, the songs also have culture and the sould of Scotland in them. What's better than bagpipes?

Brilliant!.......2006-05-01

One of my favourite Battlefield Band CDs. I just can't get enough. Very moving pieces as well as just plain fun music. I highly recommend this disc to anyone who has not listened to their music. It is a fair example of the exemplary music the Band has been putting out.

Simply Excellent.......2002-06-17

When I start track 1 of a new album I like to hear an instrumental that's lively and rousing. This album has a track like that, so it sets a good mood.

Even though I have a preference for the fast instrumentals, the slower ones appeal to me as well. Tracks 2, 4, 6, and 8 stand out with strong instrumental work that let Alan's sincere voice and lyrics carry the song. Track 6 ("The Beaches of St. Valery") is my favorite among these because it's based on actual events.

Track 9 is probably my favorite overall. The guitar launches the song and six seconds later the beautiful drone of the Highland pipes steps in and doesn't let up for the next four minutes-plus.

This album is a good replication of a B.B. live performance -- they start strong, end strong, and in-between will mix up the styles enough to make every listener happy. No normal person will be able to listen to this album and not find [at least] a couple songs to tap their feet to and sing the chorus to.

I only own three other B.B. albums so far, and this one is tied for first favorite -- with "Happy Daze".

A Friend and Fan of the Band.......2000-03-11

A truly great piece of work. Mike Katz is amizing on the bagpipes as well as the reast of the band. This CD also includes an interactive version that you can work with on your computer which includes sound bits and interviews with the band members. This is a very well laid out album and CD-Rom. If you like their music check out their tour schedual at battlefieldband.com. Also, If you like this one, youl love Leaving Friday Harbour.

A Friend and a Fan of the Band.......1999-12-08

I would have to agree that the only thing better than listening to a Battlefield Band CD, is to see them live. They are an incredibly talented and connected group. As a musician myself, I appreciate quality, and music that comes from the soul. It is obvious that these men love what they do, and in turn, it causes the listner to love it as well. This is an amazing compilation that encompasses a broad spectrum of Celtic music, and also incorporates the music writing talent of the band members. Buy this, and I promise you won't be able to stop listening!

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