Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Vol. 1: Ramble To Cashel

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Historically, the harp was the primary instrument of Irish traditional music. So when this kind of music is played on a guitar it is no surprise that it often sounds something like a harp. The seven outstanding American, French, and English players on this disc have been attracted to the lilting or mournful melodies of Ireland and their techniques have benefited from knowledge of bluegrass, jazz, blues, and rock. But the Irish flavor is the main attraction, from "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms" on the first cut, through less familiar material, to a wonderful "Danny Boy" near the end. The close-up recording has a striking presence, and the sound is very mellow, partly because of special, lower tunings (usually D-A-D-G-A-D). --Joe McLellan

Tracks:

Medley: Believe Me If All These Endearing Young Charms/Waters Of Tyne - Martin Simpson
Shepherd's Delight - Martin Simpson
Lowlands Of Hollands - Martin Simpson
Bony Crossing The Alps - Steve Baughman
Ramble To Cashel - Steve Baughman
Cullen Bay - Steve Baughman
Murtagh McKann - Pierre Bensusan
Flamorgan Air - Pierre Bensusan
Medley: Merrily Kissed The Quaker/Cunla - Pierre Bensusan
The Duke Of Fife's Welcome To Deeside - Duck Baker
The Golden Keyboard - Duck Baker
The Faerie Queen - Duck Baker
Planxty Kelly - Duck Baker
Hardiman The Fiddler - Tom Long
The Butterfly - Tom Long
Banish Misfortune - Tom Long
Morgan Magan - Pat Kirtley
Fanny Power - Pat Kirtley
Chase The Weasel - Pat Kirtley
Finn MacCool's Reel - Pat Kirtley
Danny Boy - El McMeen
Star Of The County Down - El McMeen

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Historically, the harp was the primary instrument of Irish traditional music. So when this kind of music is played on a guitar it is no surprise that it often sounds something like a harp. The seven outstanding American, French, and English players on this disc have been attracted to the lilting or mournful melodies of Ireland and their techniques have benefited from knowledge of bluegrass, jazz, blues, and rock. But the Irish flavor is the main attraction, from "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms" on the first cut, through less familiar material, to a wonderful "Danny Boy" near the end. The close-up recording has a striking presence, and the sound is very mellow, partly because of special, lower tunings (usually D-A-D-G-A-D). --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Celtic Collection.......2004-12-03

What a wonderful album! Classical examples of Celtic guitar work played by some of the most notable performers at work. People like Martin Simpson, Duck Baker, Pierre Bensusan, etc., etc., etc. This style of music, born with the harp players of the Celtic musicians of the British Isles and Europe stands unshakably at the center of North American non-native folk music. So deeply rooted that we all, whatever our cultural background, have felt its influence in places that the itinerant musicians who brought it here never would have expected it to go.

Listening to this album, with its careful sonics is like a master lesson in the genre (there actually is a book, and a DVD as well, available for those who play as well as listen). It's a rare opportunity to compare approaches. From the subtle differences between Martin and Baughman (the latter hews a line closer to the original harp work) to the flashier, yet drier, playing of Bensusan this is an album of eye-openers.

I wish I had the time to play as well as these musicians, or had the repertoire this album represents. Having an album like this handy to ask as inspiration helps, though. Whether you are an old fan looking for something new to hear or a newcomer wondering what all the fuss is about this album represents an excellent bargain. Much recommended.

clean,simple, beautiful.......2000-03-11

I've just ordered again. I got an old pickin' blood his very own. With hope we can make some of the same notes as these here rambling cashellians do so professionally. Wish us luck.....but I will enjoy this cd for ever.

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