The release of a new Charlie Zahm CD was always the spark of a good-natured debate in my family; my father and I would usually vie for the opportunity to review it, because whoever reviewed it got to keep it as well. Consequently, we both accrued fairly substantial collections of Charlie's music, given that, to date, we've written about more than a dozen of his albums.

So, it was with mixed emotions that I received Charlie's latest. Of course I was happy to slip Life of the Rover into my desktop stereo for my first listen, but at the same time I was sad that this was the first time my dad wasn't around to stake his claim. (And let's be honest, this one would have been his, since I reviewed the last three.)

Well, Dad would have liked it. A lot. So, of course, do I. Another good job, Charlie!

The album opens with a rollicking paean to Scotland, Andy Stewart's "Take Me Back," followed by a more melancholy song of Ireland, Pete St. John's "Dublin in the Rare Auld Times." Both are excellent showcases for Zahm's emotive singing, one lively and joyous, the other sad and retrospective.

The tracks that follow include Ewan MacColl's "Life of the Rover" and Frank and Sean O'Mara's "Grace" and traditionals such as "Bonnie Hielan' Laddie," "Scarborough Fair," "Where Helen Lies" and "Great Silkie of Sule Skerry." Each track is a pleasure, delivered with Zahm's powerful vocals.

Besides Zahm, who sings and plays guitar, the album features John Mock on tin and low whistles, Tony Paoletta on dobro, Deanie Richardson on fiddle, Charlie Patierno on percussion, Steve Peavey on guiar, mandolin, mandocello and banjo, and Chris Nole on harpsichord, accordion, synth instruments, bass and string arrangements.

Life of the Rover is another winner from a pillar of the East Coast Celtic music scene. I wish I could share it with Dad.

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