Customer Reviews

Contented Minds

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Cucanandy does it again. "Contented Minds" continues the brilliance this Celtic-influenced step-dance band introduced with "He Didn't Dance". Check it out. Especially note the introduction to the 11th cut, 'Female Sailor Bold'. What original music!

I first saw Cucanandy a few years ago when they played at the New Bedford Summerfest and then again a couple of years ago when they did a local house concert. Jason Cade had joined them by that time as their fiddler, and nicely rounded out the original trio of Mike Casey, Malke Rosenfeld, and Stephanie Johnston. Their first CD, HE DIDN'T DANCE, had just been released, and was an impressive debut album. This extremely talented quartet has the knack for researching music archives for original American Celtic music from North Carolina, Cape Breton, and other localities where Celtic ancestry is strong. They also display a formidable knowledge of Irish and Scottish music from the motherlands. The second CD, CONTENTED MINDS, continues to display the polished yet loose and comfortable charisma of the group. Malke's percussive dance separates this band from other traditional Celtic bands, and her flute and whistle expertise is evident throughout. Steph's incredibly sweet and clear voice is another band trademark, as well as her driving rhythm guitar work. Jason's fiddling is terrific, and he also plays mandolin and viola. Mike Casey is multi-talented as guitarist, flutist and whistle-player, as well as other instruments. Whether the band is playing reels, slip-jigs, ballads or lilting love songs, they are a class act.

Catch this second CD if you have the first, or get both if you have neither, as word is out this band may take a break for awhile, law school for Jason, time off the road for Steph, and Mike and Malke are moving to the midwest. I wish them the best, and hope to see them reunited soon.

They came and played in my hometown. They were absolutely astounding! I love their music and they have brought celtic music so much closer to home for me.