Customer Reviews

Crossing to Scotland

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought "Crossing to Scotland" as a gift for someone who'd enjoyed the live concerts. The effect has been to make me look like I have very good taste.

Newton's musical skills surpass the all-too-common format in which allegedly Celtic music becomes a sort of New-Age easy listening. (People near Washington D.C. know better; Newton's cello has become an integral part of the National Geographic Society's Scottish Christmas concerts, along with Bonnie Rideout's violin, Al Pettaway's guitar, and Maggie Sansone's hammered dulcimer, and the mandatory bagpiper.

This album deserves much wider play. As for Newton, my only question is why she waited so long to produce this CD. (On the other hand, it was certainly worth the wait.)

My wife and I heard Abby Newton play at a National Geographic Society Christmas concert here in Washington, D.C., and we have been hooked ever since. We have three of her cd's now, but Crossing to Scotland, our first one of hers, is our favorite. Her music is soothing, or put more accurately, mesmerizing, yet also somehow exciting. Not exciting in the toe-tapping way of so much Celtic music (although there is some of that on this cd too) but rather in the excitement of hearing the elegance and beauty that Abby can evoke with her bow. I understand that this cd is traditional Scottish music to the core but it expanded my concept of what Celtic music means. Because I am completely unschooled in music, I can't really provide a technical description of this CD, and can only describe Abby's CD further as "beautiful". I wish more people would listen to this CD, and all of Abby Newton's other music. And I wish she would come back to play in the DC area more often!

If you love cello and celtic, this is the CD for you. Great tracks and wonderful musicians fill this cd. There is also a book from Mel Bay if you are a cellist and wish to play along. Very fun.

I just never get tired of "Crossing to Scotland". The musicianship is superb, the tunes are timeless, and Newton's cello just transforms the music.

I just did my annual routine of putting in Handel's "Messiah" and a couple of my favorite Christmas albums. "Crossing to Scotland" stayed in last position and I'm listening to it now, and enjoying it as much as I did when it came out.

This is a wonderful album! Abby Newton is a consummate musician with enormous skill and sensitivity. The simple folk melodies are played with a warmth and expressiveness that brings them to a whole new level. The violinist that accompanies her is also wonderful. Highly recommended!