Gypsy Supper

William and Alene | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 15, 2003)
• Original Release Date: October 15, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Wishcake Records
• ASIN: B0000VV2Q0
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #604,303 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Great Blasket

2. Angel's Whisper

3. Reception

4. Miss Sheperd

5. Gypsy Supper

6. Lime Kiln

7. Mermaid

8. No Words

9. Morrison's Jig & Andy DeJarlis

10. Granuaile (Grace O'Malley)

11. Ta' Me' Mo Shui'

12. Lifted Spirit

13. The Fine Woven Thread

14. Parade

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

William & Alene Bertman are both Seattle natives in touch with their Celtic pasts and Gypsy future. "Dowry of Guitars" and "Gypsy Supper" demonstrates this couple’s proficiency at guitar playing and song writing. Produced by Alene Bertman and Jay Kenney, they capture an unearthly moodiness. Alene believes that songs are already written and it’s just a matter of discovering them. William & Alene’s journey leading them to discover these songs is one of irony. Their different influences and experiences have brought a unique flavor to this acoustic sound, causing radio stations around the world to embrace this guitar duo.

Alene Bertman is the granddaughter of the late Henri Damski, orchestra leader and composer. She has also made a career in music for herself. Alene started her study of classical guitar under Steven Novachek at the Cornish School of Performing Arts. After teaching and composing herself, she took a hard turn by picking up the electric guitar and founded Seattle based rock band, "Clatter Bean", produced by Don Gilmore (Pear Jam, Lincoln Park, Eve 6). Clatter Bean toured extensively and in between tours she co-wrote and co-produced the project, " Lily White" where Don Gilmore also contributed. After recording acoustic guitars as a session player Alene returned to her love, the classical guitar. She went on to record and perform live at Seattle’s EMP with founding member of the band, "Heart", Roger Fisher. She co-wrote and performed live with Polygram’s recording artist, Roxy Lopez and was asked to make a video with Trent Reznor’s record label, when she was discovered at the ! Lillith Fair auditions. Alene however has found her niche; an opportunity to share her aggressive and yet melodic acoustic guitar style via a medium so lending.

William Bertman has gained respect as a session player and performer in the greater Seattle area. His background in Blues has contributed to his soulful string bending acoustic guitar style portrayed on " Dowry of Guitars" and " Gypsy Supper". Hendrix was Bertman’s first influence and by age twelve William performed a tribute to Jimi. Playing for Willie Nelson and Marty Stuart after being invited to Farm Aid was a highlight in Bertman’s career. The critically acclaimed singer Paul Rogers of the rock band, " Bad Company" invited him to tour as his guitar player in the 90’s and William still performs occasionally with the band members of The Artist Formerly Known as Prince and Albritton McClain of "Donny Iris "and Roy Buchanan. After performing with top Nashville acts at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, William considered relocating to Nashville. It was at this time that he met his wife Alene and formed an instrumental guitar duo by accident. The two sat down to play one day for fun and this beguiling all together new sound emerged; so evocative and powerful.

Maybe it was the Bertman’s appreciation for World/Celtic and New Age music or perhaps Alene’s sojourn to Limerick Ireland or even William’s Irish blood that evoked this music from another world. What ever it was, the two have been writing and performing all over the country ever since; resulting in their debut album, "Dowry of Guitars" and now "Gypsy Supper".

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, May 20, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Gypsy Supper (Audio CD)

The music is haunting and lush. I wasn't sure what something with a Celtic and Gypsy influence would sound like, but I REALLY like it.

The music almost tells a story even though there are no vocals. I don't normally feel this way about albums. If you like acoustic guitar or Celtic music, try this, you'll like it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, hypnotic, breathtaking, December 27, 2006

By 

Jeremy Noetzelman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gypsy Supper (Audio CD)

This group played at a church event this holiday season and I was just blown away by the raw talent and ability to say so much with no words. This is an essential cd, great for relaxation, inspiration, and breaking the quiet while not interupting it.