Customer Reviews

Greenfire: A Celtic String Ensemble

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

 

 

While I am sad that 1/3 of Helicon (Chris Norman, a flutist) is not on this CD, I am ecstatic that Bullock and Kolodner, the other 2/3, are expanding their roots. I was first introduced to Laura Risk at Helicon's annual Winter Solstice Concert in Baltimore a few years ago, and there was something very unique about her. Her playing wasn't fancy, it was just pure and from the heart. I am glad to see that Risk, Bullock, and Kolodner decided to release this magnificent album of mostly Irish music. Having not listened to this album for a while (I had begun to listen fiddlers like Natalie MacMaster, Ray Ellis etc.), I was amazed to hear the same Irish fiddle tunes arranged for a trio. It gives the music a whole different spin that is truly unique to Greenfire. For example, "The Cape Breton Fiddlers Welcome to Shetland," "Dinky's," and "Jackson's" are very popular fiddle tunes normally heard in Celidh-like settings, but here take on a whole different meaning without losing their raw energy. Although this is a celtic string ensemble, it is nothing like a chamber orchestra where things tend to drag some. This is 3 professional musicians who specialize in international music, and keep the tunes as pure as possible. "Sean Ryan's," and "Chief O'Neill's Favourite" are also popular tunes that the seasoned celtic listener will recognize. All in all, this is a magnificent recording, and I encourage you to not only buy this CD, but Bullock's and Kolodner's solo efforts as well. You will not be disappointed.

This is a first rate recording by an excellent collection of musicians. The tunes vary greatly: from the rollicking sound of the set of reels and rants on the first track to the hauntingly spare and introspective "The Rolling Wave." Robin Bullock, Ken Kolodner and Laura Risk are each excellent musicians in their own right. Together on this recording they are magically enchanting. Mrs. Risk is one of the greatest fiddle players I've ever had the privilege of hearing. Her disc with Jacqueline Schwab (Celtic Dialogue) is a favorite of mine. This disc is just as impressive and fun to listen to. The track titled "First Light in the Mountains/The Open Road" is by itself more than worth the price of this disc. By the way...I also want to recommend Ken Kolodner's wonderful album "Walking Stones"--it is great too. This disc gets a high recommendation from me. I hope that you'll get a copy if you have the chance. There's plenty of great music here.

This is a first rate recording by an excellent collection of musicians. The tunes vary greatly: from the rollicking sound of the set of reels and rants on the first track to the hauntingly spare and introspective "The Rolling Wave." Robin Bullock, Ken Kolodner and Laura Risk are each excellent musicians in their own right. Together on this recording they are magically enchanting. Mrs. Risk is one of the greatest fiddle players I've ever had the privilege of hearing. Her disc with Jacqueline Schwab (Celtic Dialogue) is a favorite of mine. This disc is just as impressive and fun to listen to. The track titled "First Light in the Mountains/The Open Road" is by itself more than worth the price of this disc. By the way...I also want to recommend Ken Kolodner's wonderful album "Walking Stones"--it is great too. This disc gets a high recommendation from me. I hope that you'll get a copy if you have the chance. There's plenty of great music here.

While at first wary of an all-string recording, I was quickly put at ease. The skill of the players and the mix of the instruments (guitar, cittern, piano, dulcimer, fiddle, and viola) makes listening to this recording rewarding. Many of Greenfire's tunes, particularly "The Cape Breton Fiddlers' Welcome to Shetland" and "Over the Moor to Maggie" are on my "Fiddle Tunes to Learn" list. Get this!

As I'm mostly drawn to Celtic music with singing (Karen Matheson, etc.), I was surprised to find how fully satisfying this recording is - there is dancing and singing, and even flying in it!

The finest instrumental Celtic I've heard so far.