| REVIEW: Celtic Soul 'Wee Blue Man' |
Posted by Josh Nelson, 7/23/01 at 7:45:25 PM.
Celtic Soul's 1999 debut release "takin' down the half-door", with it's captivatingly graceful and energetic style, was one of the year's most valued additions to my music library. In fact, it was the exceptional quality of the album itself that engendered the only real complaint many people had with it, which was that they couldn't rush out and buy more -- it was, after all, the first of its kind. This year's release of the talented group's new album "Wee Blue Man" has at last set the matter aright.
It's tempting to describe Celtic Soul's music as "a gripping fusion of traditional melodies and modern style" or something similar and that would true enough, certainly. However, "Wee Blue Man" demonstrates what concert-goers have already discovered, which is that Celtic Soul has a sound that defies and transcends such tempting descriptions. Both traditional and original tunes are rendered with a vibrance and style that is Celtic Soul's very own, seamlessly blending traditional overtones with an energetic, very modern underscore. "Wee Blue Man" features an even mix of original compositions and traditional arrangements, and is enjoyable throughout. The original material is both fresh and memorable, and when Celtic Soul plays a traditional favorite they make it very easy to see how it became a favorite in the first place. Very much in evidence throughout are the haunting melodies and cheerfully upbeat style that have become the trademarks of this relatively new group.
The Damoclesian sword hanging over any type of sequel (especially for a group that was initially as well received and highly thought of as Celtic Soul) is that it will fail to live up to the expectations set by the original, and few do. "Wee Blue Man" is, happily, one of those few.
If you are already a fan of Celtic Soul, you will find that this album is both every bit as good as the first one and it also very successfully brings to disc the type of engrossing musical experience that their live performances are becoming famous for. If you have not yet discovered Celtic Soul but are a fan of any of celtic traditional, rock, or jazz music, then give "Wee Blue Man" a try -- it is an excellent album throughout, and has an appeal that maintains itself very well across musical genre boundary lines. And then you can rush out and buy more, you lucky devil.
 Discuss this topic
Last
update: Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at 2:03:15 PM
|
