I was prepared for disappointment when I saw "Auld Lang Syne" in the final slot on the Celtic Martins' CD, Four. Why, I often wonder, do so many Celtic musicians insist on closing their recordings (and live shows, for that matter) with slow, sad, melancholy music? Leave them on an upbeat note, I always say.

Well, the Celtic Martins are of a similar disposition, I'd say, since their arrangement of the maudlin Scottish tune (lovely, of course, in the right setting) is anything but melancholy. It's a lively end to a lively album, a recording that spotlights the diverse talents of a musical family.

Sisters Christy and Melissa Martin are the heaviest hitters on this album; Christy plays fiddle, cello and bagpipes, while Melissa plays fiddle, whistles, mandolin, guitar and accordion. Both of them sing and add Irish step dance, as well.

Other siblings -- all of whom have been performing since age 5 -- are Emily Roeder (fiddle, bagpipes, vocals), Brian Martin (guitar, djembe) and Zach and Alex Martin (fiddles). Their parents, Nelson and Elaine Martin, add guitar and bass, while brother-in-law Elijah Roeder plays drums and Bruce Siekmann (no relation, I guess) adds additional percussion.

Vocals appear just once, on Roger Edens' "Pretty Girl." Otherwise, this is an energetic instrumental album, with tunes from all over the Celtic musical map -- from "Big John McNeill's" to "Reel Beatrice," Dougie MacLean's "The Gael" and the ever popular "Orange Blossom Special."

The arrangements, unique to this band, are fresh and refreshing, with a few surprises here and there. All in all, this is a fun album that any fan of the Celtic milieu will enjoy.

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