Sixteen tracks are included here, fifteen of them featuring traditional fiddle and one vocal bonus track from the Men of the Deeps. All but two of the tracks are from previously released CDs, some of which were already amongst my favourites, but some which were unfamiliar to me.
The compilers have done a good job arranging the sets so that they flow together. The tunes run from the raw energy of Glen Graham's strathspey and reel set with the foot stomping high in the mix, through George Paul's sweet rendition of the 'Silver Anniversary Waltz' to J.P. Cormier's Irish-influenced (and previously unreleased) 'Martin Hayes Set'.
The track included here from Buddy MacMaster's 'Judique on the Floor' is the R.P. Cummings/Christie Campbell set - a nice choice from one of my favourite CDs. Of the selections I had not heard before, I especially enjoyed a slow air 'Our Friend Archie Neil' from Jennifer Roland, and the 'Johnny Cope/Traditional Mabou Reel' set from Stephanie Wills.
About the only complaint I can make about this CD is that the liner notes don't identify the backup musicians as well as the fiddler. I also found it a little odd to see an advertisement for a restaurant in Sydney, Cape Breton and one advocating retirement in Cape Breton included as part of the liner notes.
This CD will definitely be high on my recommended list for people wanting to sample Cape Breton fiddling - hopefully they will then go and buy the individual artists' CDs. I gave it only 4 1/2 out of 5 stars only because it is a compilation instead of original material - what the heck, eh?
wil
Featured Artists:
Brenda Stubbert
Ordering information can be found
online.
Carl MacKenzie
Buddy MacMaster
Jennifer Roland
J.P. Cormier
Glen Graham
Jerry Holland
Morgan MacQuarrie
George Paul
Stephanie Wills
Charlie MacCuspic
Winnie Chafe
Dave MacIsaac
Rodney MacDonald
Howie MacDonald
Men of the Deeps
Copyright © 1997 Wil Macaulay
