Four-time U.S. Scottish harp champion Sue Richards will enchant and entice listeners as they follow on a journey through a mystical grove of musical selections for the Celtic harp. Filled with magic, melody and a bevy of musical instruments (Celtic harp, flute, pennywhistle, hammered dulcimer, bodhran, recorder, fiddle, button accordion, classical guitar, piano, Scottish snare drum and viola da gamba), the grove provides a place of inspiration and respite.

Hazel Grove is my first encounter with Richards -- and it's a delightful one at that! No words mar the sweet sounds of the Richards' Celtic harp. Richard and her fellow accompanists present a varied selection of 14 instrumentals, which range from jigs, reels, waltzes, folk songs, laments and marches. The Celtic harp resonates on delightful Irish, Scottish and Welsh selections including "O'Farrell's Welcome to Limerick," "The Musical Priest/Miss Ratray," "Miss Murphy," "Brian Boru/Halting March (Pikeman's March)/The King of Laois," "Leaving Port Askaig/Murray Shoolbraid of Saltspring/East Neuk of Fife/Torryburn Lasses," "Da Day Dawn," "The Emigrant's Farewell," "Bi Falbh o'n Uinneigh (Go Away from the Window)," "Morfa Rhuddlan (Rhuddlan Marsh)," "Banjoy Breakdown," "Tip O'Neill/Washington Hornpike," "Elizabeth McDermott Rowe/Miss Noble" and "Lament for Coire an Easa/The Hazel Grove."

Beautiful, pensive and enthralling, Richards' Hazel Grove is a place to visit time and time again. As for new places to discover, Richards' previous albums, Grey Eyed Morn and Morning Aire can be uncovered at Maggie's Music. After such a delightful experience with Hazel Grove, I'm willing to while the morning away with Richards any day.

- Rambles
written by Lynne Remick
published 16 November 2002