by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Tenpenny Travelers
Album: Beyond the Gate
Year produced: 2006

Songs like "Dapper Dan" are those tongue-twisting tunes that make you want to learn the lyrics--just for kicks. (I gave it a shot and gave up!) The ladies voices are quite something on this CD and have a range of talents and surprises in store for the listener, from the seamless harmonies in track 1 "Lords and Ladies" to the percussive pops of voice dancing around amidst the drum beats in "Bonny Boy."

Tenpenny Travelers choice of musical arrangements on this CD is interesting--and in the best possible way. At times the harmony of the ladies voices actually participate as if they were being played. Other times, a simple accompaniment of one or two instruments sails along with the vocals. There are a wide range of tracks--some are purely instrumental, but keep interest by having ever-changing tempos and a dynamic quality to them, picking up speed along the way. Clapping hands are even used as accompaniment sans other instruments in track 6--which is an amusing tune with plenty of good humor and energy. You'll feel like you are at the pub and a group just burst out into song!

"Entertaining" would really be the perfect word to describe this CD--traditional--but smart and unique as well. Those who love Renaissance Festival music but are a bit tired of the usual will enjoy this immensely. This album really is not just more of the same!

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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, Friday, August 11, 2006.
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