Artist: Jamie Laval & Ashley Broder
Album: "Zephyr In The Confetti Factory"
Year produced: 2007

Ahh, innovation! Taking traditional fiddle music and exploring it a bit is what Zephyr in the Confetti Factory is all about. Not cluttered with instruments, this CD really highlights the sounds of the fiddle themselves. You'll hear bluegrass influence here and there, as well as some ethnic styling, but always understated enough that the Celtic shines through.

The recent pairing of these two musicians is a celebration of style and talent. Broder, winner of the 2003 and 2004 Western Open Master Picker Championships, plays side by side with Laval who took the 2002 National Scottish Fiddle Championship. The technique itself is plenty to enjoy from these master musicians, made more interesting by their willingness to explore a bit and play outside the "box."

Although a relatively short CD at 9 tracks, listeners will feel satisfied when they come to the close of the album as so much skilled playing is packed into the album. For those who want to see what the fiddle can do--give track 6, Old Man Elzic a listen. Not too experimental, but pushing boundaries this CD is as interesting as it is enjoyable.

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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 Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at www.moonbeamdigital.com.

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