CD Review

Hornpipe Volume 10 Issue 5

An Nollaig-an Irish Christmas

Compass Records

The Grand Dame of Irish fiddlers, Eileen Ivers, cast her spell on us once again with her 2007 release of cherished Christmas tunes.

Irish-American born, the daughter of Irish immigrants, Eileen Ivers grew up in the culturally diverse neighborhood of the Bronx, New York. She has been a sensation since her first performance at 8. Since then she has been as sought after as the London Symphony Orchestra; the National Symphony at The Kennedy Center; the Boston Pops; the musical stars of Riverdance; The Chieftains; Hall and Oates: Afrocelts: Patti Smith, Paula Cole: Al Di Meola: and Steve Gadd, the founding member of Cherish the Ladies.

It is a rare that one is witness to the talent and spectacular artistry of an individual, one who influences, explores and reaches new frontiers with the Celtic fiddle. Yet, Ivers, is firmly rooted in tradition with her CD, “An Nollaig-an Irish Christmas.”

“So much about Christmas involves the traditions surrounding the celebration of the glorious birth of Christ.” Ivers writes in the CD’s introduction. This is a rich mix of old traditions and with each song of the CD she fondly recalls her family gatherings. Her rendition of The Wexford Carol, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing infuses a joyful 6/8 and new playful interpretations.

This is a beautiful compliment to any Christmas collection.

Evergreen

Alison Brown Quartet with Joe Craven

Compass Records

Alison and the band dropped into Compass Studios last fall to record their favorite tunes from the Winter’s Eve Holiday Program. The result is Evergreen.

Just released, this 11-track collection includes fun and imaginative reworkings of holiday classics with that distinctive ABQ sound. Fiddler andmandolinist, Joe Craven, is the special guest throughout. The University School of Nashville Middle School Chorale joins the band on two tracks.

This unique recording is perfect for the acoustic music fan on your holiday shopping list. There are a number of musical influences at work here, including: bluegrass, jazz, and Celtic music; but when taken as a whole, isn’t any one of those specific genres.

This is a Christmas coffee-table CD to play when guests arrive for that Christmas afternoon coffee and a fabulous addition to your Christmas collection.

A Boston Globe reviewer noted that Alison “… has taught her banjo to sing, whether humming winkingly behind themelody or delivering it with a breathy humanness that is as technically awesome as it is melodically seductive.”