Although this is a compilation CD filled with slow airs, each and every tune is of distinct style played in a variety of arrangements. Dignity and elegance are by-words of the slow air and cuts such as "The Glasgow Style," by Steve Lawrence and Hudson Swan, bring out the finer moods between the ballrooms and courts of old Scotland and life in the high hills. Nevertheless, some cuts are more rooted, and are the essence of lullabies. Add your own mouth music to them; "Spirit of the Glen" readily invites one to do so.

The only comparatively lively cut was "The Suidh" by Whirligig. "The Hills of Lorne," done by Ross Kennedy and Archie McAllister, along with "The Long Road Home," done by Angus Lyon, were familiar fare and well done as airs go. Though very traditional, a wide spectrum of thirteen artists or groups display their talent on Celtic Airs. The last cut, "The Quiet Place" played by Tabache, sums up this instrumental compilation quite aptly.

Perhaps this type of compilation is common among Scottish productions, one type of tune on a whole CD. Most selections were taken off previous productions, and I wonder if the originals followed the same pattern. With titles like Ceol Na gCapall's Breath of Fresh Air, probably, but then Elsie MacLellan's album Kiss on the Wind and Tabache's Waves of Rush might offer more variety. Although well presented in this category of Scottish music, the CD creates awareness of its artists and raises curiosity about their talents in other tune types and arrangements.

For listening pleasure, however, a CD filled with this type of music puts too much strain on the inner ear of the soul. As a mood enhancer it's a downer. On Celtic Airs there's only a slight change of pace between pieces -- slow and slower. There's no question that each tune could stand alone as significant examples of Scottish music and all are very well executed. Each cut is a beautiful rendition of the tune in itself. Nonetheless, one would have to be a true connoisseur, or perhaps a student of Celtic airs in order to best appreciate the CD as a whole.

[ by Virginia MacIsaac ]
Rambles: 22 September 2001