by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Queen's Gambit
Album: "En Passant"
Year produced: 2006

At 19 tracks, and with this being their 4th CD, Queen's Gambit is definitely not the type of band that you would hear at an amateur night show. Rooted firmly in the Irish and Scottish tradition, you'll hear a variety of tunes here, with blended harmonies, familiar sounds and more than a good laugh or two for your listening pleasure. Greensleeves, Molly Malone and Ballad of St. Anne's Reel are all quite enjoyable tracks on this CD.

The voices of the ladies have a delicate and youthful sound to them. Blending together in songs such as track 13, "Since First I Saw Your Face" they sound so pure and sweet--almost like listening to a very talented little girls choir sing. The four-member group alternates singing, but whether it is the gentleman or the ladies singing, it is good.

"Lighthearted" is probably a very good way to describe this release from Queen's Gambit. This particular grouping of songs mix and match--some they have played live from the start but haven't released this way and a reprise or two appear from other efforts. You can almost bet that this band would be a fun listen live just from hearing the 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, Wednesday, October 18, 2006.
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