Saratoga Faire is a band of many parts. Musically deft, you'll most likely enjoy the instrumental selections -- about half of the album -- quite a lot. The tunes are well arranged, with hammered dulcimer and fiddle standing to the fore. You'll enjoy the use of tin whistle, too, and the artful inclusion of both electric and double bass.

The songs are less successful in my estimation. Singer Lisa Winne has a pretty good voice -- I'd place her in the post-Renaissance, Annie Haslam school of singers, although not in Haslam's grade; a blend of folky and operatic layers are at work here and, frankly, Winne is too high-pitched and quavery for my taste. She makes a fine effort, but she's not of the same caliber as her bandmates, and I found myself listening through her voice to enjoy the arrangements behind it.

Besides vocals, Winne plays guitar and Irish whistle to good effect. The band also is Frank Orsini on violin, viola, mandolin and vocals; Jeff Belding on guitars, percussion, keyboards and electric bass; and Jim Lestrange on hammered dulcimer, electric bass, guitar and vocals. Guests are John Cromie on Irish whistles and Rick Eckberg on double bass.

Pick this up if you like fiddle and dulcimer combos, or if you like solid Celtic instrumentals. A different listener might enjoy Winne's vocals more than I did.

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