What began for me as an experimental "listen" to an intriguing CD called Cairdeas would soon become so much more. This experience represented my first exposure to a Celtic band from Louisiana called Smithfield Fair. In this case, once was not enough, and I soon found my way to the The Winter Kirk, an enthralling collection of holiday music. My most recent experience with Smithfield Fair, in Jacobites By Name, proved absolutely captivating! My admiration for their music has now become a passion.

Having been to Scotland twice and continuously studied its culture and history, I've seen, heard and felt the Scottish spirit firsthand. I have spent many an hour in Scotland listening to Scots tunes in obscure little pubs, and Dudley-Brian Smith, Jan Smith and Frang "the Pounder" Bladen bring me right back to that place. Since I have returned to America, I am always on the lookout for music to recreate this inspiration. To date, no artist or album has come as close as Smithfield Fair has with this album.

Jacobites By Name features a pleasant mix of traditional songs: "Wha'll Be King But Cherlie," "Dumbarton's Drums," "Ye Jacobites By Name" (Robert Burns), "All Around My Hat," "The Silkie/The Mermaid Song," "Braes of Birniebouzle/Charlie is My Darlin'" "Hieland Laddie" and "My Bonnie Moorhen." There are also remixes of traditional favorites along with some band originals: "One Misty Moisty Morning/Doon the Rushy Glen," "Lord George Will Lead/Scotland the Brave" and "My Heart's In the Highlands," and original compositions by both Dudley-Brian ("Back Where We Belong (The Dispossessed)/A Tinker's Damn," "Gang Awa' Hame") and Jan ("Piper's Plaid," "Sheep in the Road"). The trio's vocals produce authentic melodies that will transport you to another place and time.

Although the Scots were unable to restore the Stuarts to the throne in 1745, Smithfield Fair captures the essence of the Scottish spirit, brings "the cause" to life and keeps the home fires burning in the most important of places -- the heart.

[ by Lynne Remick ]
Rambles: 21 September 2002