Since I'll never be asked to appear on the WITF-FM program Desert Island Discs, where local celebrities are asked to select several recordings they would like to have with them on a deserted island, I'll give one of my picks here.

Charlie Zahm's 1997 recording of Festival Favorites is a no-brainer for such a list. Zahm, a resident of Narberth, Pennsylvania, is a frequent performer at Scottish games and Celtic festivals throughout the east coast. The songs on this CD are some of the most requested numbers at his live concerts.

The selections are varied and enjoyable and, since I'm going to be stuck on this desert island, they're the type of songs I won't mind listening to over and over. Also, Zahm's rich baritone, which has been described as "coming along once in a generation," makes for pleasant listening and even provides the temptation to sing along.

If there's a weakness in this recording, it comes, unfortunately, early on. The song "Scottish Soldier," one of my personal favorites, requires a powerful voice full of fire and emotion. Zahm's voice is strong, but the strength of his style is the gentleness of his voice which is not effective in this number.

The rest of the album, produced by Zahm and Marc Moss, is a showcase for Zahm's musical talents which include vocals, guitar, 5-string banjo, flute, whistles and bodhran. Providing accompaniment are Moss, John Lionarons, Ted the Fiddler and Bob Pegritz.

Perennial favorite "Amazing Grace" is next and, frankly, is just about the most beautiful solo rendition of this hymn I have ever heard. Anyone who is living in a land not of their birth will appreciate the wistful longings in "These Are My Mountains." The Scottish shame of the massacre of the clan MacDonald is mournfully told in "Glencoe."

There are some Irish performers who -- so I've been told -- won't do "Danny Boy" because it's too cutesy and sentimental. But if ever I become wistful for a pint and a peat fire, it's worth listening to -- and singing along with -- this traditional melody. If something faster is your speed, "Whiskey in the Jar" will get your feet tapping.

Zahm demonstrates his drumming talent with the traditional Scottish number "I Will Go," with only his bodhran providing a military beat for background.

After a maritime trip to "South Australia," Zahm offers his tour de force on this album. The "Green Fields of France" is the tender story of young Willie McBride who was killed in World War I at the age of 19. For more than seven minutes, Zahm is a weary traveler resting on Willie's gravestone and carrying on a one-sided conversation with the slain Irish lad.

Robby Burns' words are sung in "Scots Wha Hae" followed by a spirited rendition of "Whistling Gypsy."

In an unusual departure from recordings of this type, Zahm reminds us all -- regardless of our heritage -- that we are Americans first. He closes with "The Star Spangled Banner" which was recorded live at the 1996 Delco Scottish Games in Devon, Pa.

In less than an hour Festival Favorites has become a personal favorite -- one which I'll take to any deserted island.

[ by Bill Knapp ]