With just the right amounts of bounce, vigor, twang and fiddling, Full On provides a lively, full-bodied and rather jazzy Celtic music experience. Modern melodies based on old-time tunes and played out on a mix of modern and ancient instruments set this disc apart from others.

Coila proves even so bold as to bring the jig and the reel into the 21st century with the assistance of the synthesizer, bass guitar and electric guitar -- not to mention the hands of some very talented musicians.

These hands belong to Alistair McCulloch (fiddle, whistles), William Weir (accordion), Andrew McGarva (fiddle, viola, synthesizer), James Taylor (drums), Dave Cowan (bass and electric guitars) with Douglas Whyte (keyboards, Hammond organ), Ross Kennedy (guitar, bouzouki), Dougie Pincock (Highland pipes, flute, whistles), Sandro Ciancio (percussion), Lyndsay Mowat (cello) and Karen Connor (clarsach).

While most of Coila's fanciful fiddle music and alluring lullabies originated within the past few years, they retain the air of timelessness and passion inherent in all good Celtic music. A very impressive feat, to say the least.

Ahhh, Coila! A surprisingly welcome addition to my extensive collection of Celtic music. And here, I thought I had enough already -- with great music like this, there's always room for one more.

[ by Lynne Remick ]
Rambles: 23 February 2002