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Skyedance
The driving force behind the group is the interplay between Alasdair Fraser on fiddle and viola, and Eric Rigler on the Great Highland Bagpipe, uilleann pipes, and Scottish small-pipes. These two virtuoso's constantly engage in breakneck speed musical conversation, trading licks, counter-melodies, and breath-taking harmonies throughout the albums 14 songs. They are well supported by Cris Norman on wooden flute and piccolo. Chris keeps up with every beat, right down to those 16th note triplets the band engages in so often. Paul Machlis, on piano, organ, and keyboards, Mick Linden on frettless bass, and Peter Maund on percussion add a whole new dimension to the music, transporting it from a highly sophisticated Celtic hybrid to a blend of jazz fusion, classical, and world influences. The frettless bass, an uncommon sight in Celtic musical tradition, is well adapted to the style of Alasdair and Eric's playing. Shades of Jaco Pastorious echo in Mick's fluid backing solos. On pieces like the title track, 'Midnight on Raasay' and 'The Skyedance Reels' and 'Stoney Run' one really has to appreciate the artistry in the playing. Alasdair, Eric, and Chris are performing at their finest on showpieces like these with speed and finesse, and a keen ear for the musical dialog that is taking place between them. With players of this caliber, it's extraordinary to hear how they never overpower one another, never get too self centered. Even through the thick of things as on 'Walking the Plank' there is a lot going on, but the music never gets muddy and overbearing. You can always hear each player very distinctly and clearly. If you want to hear progressive Celtic music at its finest, look no further. Instrumental music doesn't get any better than this. I would easily give it a 5 star rating. information: Review by Ben Kettlewell |
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It
is a real joy to have the pleasure of reviewing this album.
After listening to so many mediocre releases in the past two
months, its truly refreshing to hear something downright
incredible. This is a high energy quintet that immediately
grabs your attention from the first note, and doesn't let go
until the last note of the disc is floating in the
distance.