by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Celtic Stone
Album: "Digital Flashbacks"
Year produced: 1990

Celtic Stone, a popular group at Ren Faire's in the 80's is enjoying a revival of their own these days. The group, who had called it quits in the early 1990's is back at it again, with their recent CD, appropriately titled Digital Flashbacks. Sixteen tracks later, I am convinced that this group is here to stay for as long as they like.

Ramblin' Rover took me happily right back to the days of my childhood. Transported to summer evenings when the whole Irish side of the family sat around the campfire singing a jolly tune (or ten!) and trying to outdo each other with their verse, but all chiming in on the chorus together. Good fun!

Nearly everyone likes a traditional song when it is done with a band's individual stamp and style. After all, that is what makes it unique. I have heard many versions of Wild Mountain Thyme done with a woman's voice that I loved, but this is one of the few where a man's voice has warmed me. A little harmony chimes in here and there for emphasis, and it is beautiful.

The harmonies on this CD are one of the nicest parts. The arrangements are not typical, which makes it even better. They are subtle and well thought out, and the timing is really what sets them apart from others. Even after a long hiatus, it seems Celtic Stone can still tap the pulse of what the Celtic music lover wants to hear, and they do it well.

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Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in the arts. She has written for Dance Teacher Magazine, Classical Singer and Dance Spirit among others, and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her at www.freelance-zone.com.

Labels: cd_review_2006

Posted by Marc Gunn, Monday, January 16, 2006.
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