I almost wish I had opted not to review this CD and instead returned it so someone with more musical knowledge could have written the review. Almost wish, but am certainly happy I didn't, even if I don't do it justice or pay proper homage to the musicians that make up this incredibly talented ensemble.

With almost an hour of sheer listening pleasure, it's hard even to pick a favorite track. Every need is satisfied. There are ballads, "When Fortune Turns Her Wheel" and "Johnny O'Braidisler," arranged by Ross Kennedy, who also provides the vocals with a deep and clear Scots brogue that will stand the hairs up on the back of your neck. There are reels, "The Doolin Reels" and "McPhee's Reels," both of which guarantee some toe-tapping and seat-dancing, but are quite different one from the other and each chock full of surprises. There are strathspeys and jigs that immediately call to mind the light and lively steps of a dancer; you can see her toes point and her kilt sway. There are tributes, "The Highland Brigade at Magersfontein," which was written to commemorates the great loss suffered by the Highland Brigade during the Boer War. And a personal tribute of Ross Kennedy to his hometown and his grandfather, "Shipyards," tells of the great shipbuilding industry of the Clyde.

The name "Canterach" comes from the technique of teaching pipe music to students by singing the tunes. The word is from the Gaelic "Canntaireach." The musicians are Ross Kennedy (vocals and acoustic guitar), Steve Lawrence (percussion, bouzouki and dobro), Iain MacInnes (Highland pipes, smallpipes and whistle), Alistair McCulloch (fiddle) and Rod Paul (mandolin, banjo and electric guitar), along with guests Angus Lyon, Fraser Speirs and Lynn Morrison on piano/keyboards, harmonica and keyboards respectively.

For anyone who thinks some of these names sound familiar, I discovered that Allistair McCulloch is a top fiddle player and teacher whose talent is in constant demand. Steve Lawrence is a former member of the Scottish band Iron Horse. Ross Kennedy, the founder of Iron Horse, was also a member of Tannahill Weavers.

[ by Sheree Morrow ]
Rambles: 9 February 2002