by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: The Sandcarvers
Album: "Dealin' Craic"
Year produced: 2006

This is some good Celtic rock. The Sandcarvers have blended well the two genres of music, and have even added a little whisper of folk sound--but not so much that it is a distraction from the sound. Make no mistake, these guys rock. Take a clue from the CD title however (Craic--kind of a "good time" reference in the Irish culture--not a street drug!) they have fun doing it too! There is the lightness of heart one would expect to hear from a Celtic group, along with the good-time jam session of a popular rock band.

Enjoying a good measure of success as a reward for their talent, this band has had an opening spot for some big names; including Black '47, BROTHER and The Young Dubliners. While the band knows how to rock the house in their fun, blended style, they also can be soft and melodic, as in "Carrickfergus" which, with its rich vocals, really speaks to one's heart.

With enough variety in the various tracks to keep a nice ebb and flow, this CD is a smooth listen, start to finish. The rock/Celtic influences also rise and fall, so there are some songs with a more rock and roll flavor, and some that smack of tradition. A nice mix. The best part is that the musicianship is stellar and the band seems to know their way around a song like only a talented blend of players can. Fans of Celtic rock should really enjoy the Sandcarvers.

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Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among others and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at www.moonbeamdigital.com.

Labels: cd_review_2006

Posted by Marc Gunn, Wednesday, July 26, 2006.
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