Echo Land is the debut recording from Bumarang, described in press materials as a "power trio" from Montreal. Musicians are David Gossage (flute, whistle, guitar), Kate Bevan-Baker (violin, vocals) and Sarah Page (harp, vocals, harmonium, bouzouki). Largely Celtic in their influences and execution, they lightly borrow from classical, jazz, African, and Indian musical traditions in their artful arrangements.

Instrumentally, the trio is tight, and the music is lush and expertly assembled -- although there are a few spots on the album where it feels like a bold musical experiment went sideways, and someone should have reined them in just a bit. Overall, though, I enjoyed the instrumental tracks quite a lot, and there's an improvisational feel in places that invigorates their melodies.

"Road to Shigawake" in particular has some dynamic moments that will likely catch listeners by surprise. "Shot of Jamie," beginning with the timeless "Haste to the Wedding," is a blast of tunes that sounds the most traditional in its performance, although Gossage soars above the music with some inspired whistle flights. The album closes with "Jock Brown's 70th," which veers into rock anthem territory and shows what the band can do when they pull out all the stops on production.

Vocally, however, the two women have good voices but, I hate to say it, humdrum deliveries. They sing dully, lacking variety or excitement in the presentation.

If Bumarang hangs together -- and I think they should -- I hope they focus more on their instrumental strengths and either shy away from a lot of vocal renditions, or else find some way to inject new energy into the songs.

[ visit the Bumarang website ]