by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Jed Marum
Album: "Miles From Home"
Year produced: 2005

This is good Celtic folk music with real bluegrass styling. The best folk music tells stories, and this album is no exception. Marum's voice is just beautiful; the kind you can listen to for hours because it is so calm and easy. This CD is terrific, because it can suit you in more than one mood. If you are looking to think and reflect a bit, it works. On the other hand, if you just want to totally relax and be soothed, Marum has just the right sound for that as well. It is no wonder he has gained recognition and popularity on the festival and concert scene. He must be something to experience with a crowd of people gathered around, and I bet he sounds just as good in person.

There is a touch of Texas flavor here and there mixed in with the Celtic, making for an interesting mix. The music was very good, although it's funny, I had to go back and really listen to it. Marum's voice is the true instrument here, with the music as background. It isn't that the musicianship is not good, you just find yourself focusing on the sound of the lyrics.

This isn't complicated stuff, and that is no insult. The simplicity of the music is its magic, which weaves around you and casts a rather lovely spell. I don't want to say any more for fear of spoiling it. This is one CD you need to experience for yourself, because it really is that good. If you enjoy folk-styled music, this is at the top of its field.

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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, Thursday, April 13, 2006.
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