I am always ready to sit down and listen to good fiddle music, and Gretchen Koehler is a fiddler I've heard (and enjoyed) before. Last time, it was an album featuring her and her sister, Rebecca, on an album (Parallel Lines) recorded some 20 years back.

This time, Gretchen is performing with pianist Daniel Kelly on The Waxwing, an album featuring a few of her original melodies, some covers and several traditional tunes.

I'll admit, I worried that the collection of fiddle-and-piano duets would get tiresome after a few tracks, but there is ample variety -- and plenty of talent -- in the recording.

Anyone who enjoys these two instruments will like this album. It's a pleasant recording that rewards careful listening and also sits well in the background; both musicians have ample opportunities to shine.

I particularly like the description in the liner notes for track 8, "The Earl's Chair/Martin Wynne No. 1," which reads: "One of life's pleasures is kicking back with a few session tunes and feeling like all is right with this world."

Absolutely.

[ visit Gretchen Koehler's website ]