This CD delivers on the cover notes' promise of a "gentle blend of Celtic, Classical and Appalachian music." Steve and Ruth Smith set out to honor their Scots-Irish heritage while showcasing their own musical roots. Ruth is classically trained while her husband was raised playing in the Appalachian tradition.

Their skill and passion is evident from the opening notes of the title track, an original composition by Ruth, through joyous renditions of Bach's "Sleepers Awake" and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

Among the traditional tunes, I found "A Fig for a Kiss" translated particularly well to Ruth's hammered dulcimer which, accompanied by Steve on acoustic guitar, is the featured instrument on each track. Additional instrumentation on select tracks is provided by Nancy Schneeloch-Bingham (flute), Rachel Sprinkle (pennywhistle and bowed dulcimer) and Ryan Smith (bodhran). These instruments accent but never overwhelm the eloquent dulcimer.

I enjoyed listening to this CD both in the morning sunshine while working in my studio and for an evening waltz by the fire.

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