by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Darcy Nai
Album: "High Strung"
Year produced: 2006

The "folk" sound in the voice of a true folk singer seems to come from a deep, and sometimes long, love of music. Darcy Nair apparently has both. Learning how to harmonize at a young age, and able to make them up as she goes (dubbed "woodshedding"), Nair is an interesting combination of singer and musician. No stranger to playing, you'll hear the hammered dulcimer in her hands, among other instruments. She is also able to play the Irish bouzouki, English concertina, bodhran and bones.

Not all tracks are traditional here--Nair adds her own touch and isn't afraid to stray a bit from the usual fare. Songs like, "Now I Know" and "Half Moon Bay" hold up well with the style of Nair's voice--very introspective and even a bit dreamy at moments. Contrasting nicely are some lovely instrumental tracks, where you can just listen and enjoy the music. All in all, there is really a good combination of tracks here.

Performing professionally since 1990, Nair has a confidence that shows through in her voice. Fans of the dulcimer will undoubtedly love this CD. The instrument always lends such a unique sound to any arrangement that it can't help but stand out--it isn't the type of thing that blends into the background easily. Even when it is played softly, it sets the tone for any song it is in. Fans of Celtic and/or folk alike should like this CD.

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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, Sunday, September 24, 2006.
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