Description
Reviews
"For an unusual blend of Celtic traditions, I recommend Silver Arm's album The Beech Tree. The Cincinnati five-piece do a really nice job on many wide-ranging tunes, from standard Irish and Scottish fare to the latest compositions from French hurdy-gurdy players. In addition to the fiddles, flutes and whistles, guitar and mando-things that all the acts seem to have these days, Silver Arm features concertina, a nice part of the tradition that's too little seen. And to supplement her whistles, band member Carla Dundes also plays the oboe, not really a Celtic instrument but a great sound nonetheless, adding harmony, texture and richness to the band's sparkling sound....any album with such skillful playing, unusual tunes and fresh arrangements deserves a hearing." -Steve Winnick, Dirty Linen Magazine
"...a lovely, lilting debut CD.... beautifully played and well-sung." -Larry Nager, Cincinnati Enquirer
"The band is not afraid to update the traditional, often writing additional melodies and verses. Fans of the genre will find a tightly knit group that plays with reverence and subtlety." -Rick Bird, Cincinnati Post
"It's all done with expert grace and ease, combining the traditional instruments (bodhrn, whistle, fiddle, flute and mandolin, among others) with an evident love and respect for the traditional sound. " -Mike Breen, Cincinnati City Beat
Tracks
1. French Polkas-Massif Central, Boy's Lament for His Dragon
2. Bonnie Portmore
3. Greenland Man, Pull the Knife, Anthony Frawley's
4. Bonnie George Campbell
5. Reels: Cup of Tea, Gone for Tea, Coachman's Whip
6. Dark Horse On the Wind
7. Jigs: Kings of Inishbofin, Piper's Turn
8. My Donald
9. Derriere Chex Nous,La Grand Bete,Ganivelle
10. Bantry Girls' Lament
11. Reels:Beech Tree, Jackie Coleman's, John Stenson's