by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Queen's Gambit
Album: "Fianchetto"
Year produced: 2007

Queen's Gambit can always guarantee a good listen, and in their own "lighthearted" tradition, they deliver just that on, "Fianchetto." (Just in case you are wondering, "fianchetto" is Italian for "little flanking;" a chess pattern involving the bishop--of course!) The Oklahoma-based Celtic band is generally known for their pretty far-reaching mixture of styles which include both Irish and Scottish traditional music in addition to a smattering of others, such as Renaissance music and English Folk.

This CD is really focused on the instrumental, however--highlighting the sound of various instruments as "voice." Some gorgeous harmonies are here from the ladies on "Galway Shawl" which is especially lovely as those delicate voices weave their way through the song together. What results is a somewhat relaxing combination of tracks--never striving too hard to show off, but instead staying true to their sound and presenting themselves for a delightful listen, and it all works nicely! As usual the band delivers plenty of songs, and does so with ease, style and--thanks to the ladies--even grace.

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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.

Labels: cd_review_2007

Posted by Marc Gunn, Monday, November 19, 2007.
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