Customer Reviews

Lost in the Loop

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had the pleasure to see Liz Carroll perform at the University of Chicago Folk Festival. From the first song she played I knew I was going to pick up at least one of her CDs. Lost in the Loop is amazing. It's one of those CDs that I will keep handy and listen to often. There is an energy to her playing and it comes through even in the CD. The recording quality does this awesome work justice, and it all comes together to be a fine, fine album!

This is a great album by one of the best fiddle players out there today. The first track out of the box begins with an absolutely sizzling original, Seven, paired with two traditionals. But Liz Carroll can make even the most well-known traditional tune sound like fresh musical experiences. Just when you thought you've heard every variation of tunes like The Silver Spear and The Musical Priest out there...Liz Carroll kicks them to another level, adding two big handfuls of her own compositions into the mix. Years ago I had the privilege of seeing and hearing her at a local music festival workshop and she and two other fiddlers (one a particularly well-know and exceptional player) each in turn played the same well-worn old tune, Liz playing last. Oh--My--God. The tune by itself was well-known and fairly...average, but when it was her turn to play it, you could have lit up the canopy with the sparks that flew out of that ax! This CD is filled with that same kind of energetic, crispy, original playing. Her arrangements are fresh and lively, even in the slower selections. The originals are wonderful additions to the pantheon and I've already been driven to learn a couple of them myself so I can try and be impressive at the next session. Anyone who loves driving, energetic but stylish Celtic style fiddle music will love this CD. Accompaniment by some of the best guitar, bouzouki and percussion out there as well. Well-mixed and arranged to compliment every last ounce of Liz Carroll's incredible playing. A real rhythmic and instrumental joy. Particularly energizing during long drives or otherwise tedious tasks (just watch it that you aren't tempted to exceed the speed limits...fastest 400 miles I've ever done!). And, apologies to all you vocal lovers...no singing to distract from the wonderful instrumentals! Smooth, swinging with back beat to raise the dead. Not "New Wavey", if that's what you were looking for. And the title track, Lost in the Loop is loads of fun. Slinky, spicey, crunchy and firey. Love this kind of Celtic fiddle? This one's for you.

Having seen Liz play live more than a dozen or so times, I've always appreciated her ability, but her first studio album (Liz Carroll) didn't seem to live up to her live performances. The first time I heard "Lost in the Loop", it brought back every live performance I had seen. This is it. The style, the ability, beautiful tune selections and you don't have to jostle with a few hundred beer toting people to hear it.

For anyone asking me to recommend to best example of Irish style fiddling, this is it. Hands down, no competition. Eileen Ivers, Natalie McMaster and Winifred Horan are all great fiddlers, but this is the best I've heard.

Failte! (Greetings!)Why is Liz so special? For starters, she is a prolific composer of what sounds like traditional Irish Music. While I have heartfelt thanks to other wonderful Irish fiddle players, Liz is inventing or re-inventing the tunes she plays, either through writing the song or coming up with a unique and wonderful spin on old tunes. While I would characterize Kevin Burke as one of the few fiddlers that could play alone in any Irish pub and have his audience spellbound, the same is true for Liz. Kevin is playing to an audience of one, for himself, and according to his 1000 percent in synch meditation on internal music. Liz is using the fiddle as her voice, as if singing. She rips through double notes, single and double leads, counterpoint, triplets and slides with ease and dexterity. Both styles are absolutely excellent. Liz excells as a former journey woman on back up fiddle in working with others as close friends and making different chemistries work. "The Golden Champagne Jig" is an excellent example of what sounds like authentic, traditional, old, Irish music. It is her own composition demonstrating both gut instincts for the music and a load of creativity. It is crying time when John Doyle's beautiful chording complements Liz's exquisite, gorgeous lead in the "Lament of the First Generation" and "Crow in the Sun." It is "toe tapping time" in the "Golden Legs/The Flogging Reel" set. John, Winifred Horan (fiddle) and Seamus Eagan are borrowed in this album from Solas, and demonstrate the Celtic style that first made Solas famous through the 1990's. Both Liz and Winifred are former All-Ireland fiddle champions. Seamus plays flute, mandolin, tenor banjo and bodhran and is reaching a point of his career as a more than two decade veteran to support other deserving talent. If this Solas-Carroll collaboration continues, many longtime Solas fans like myself will make the transition with the band.

I have listened to Liz Carroll's new CD constantly since I got it. It's full of great tunes played as no one else can play them. Her original tunes are more beautiful than ever, and her reinvention of traditional tunes thrills the soul.

If you hear a better traditional recording this year please let me know. Carroll's playing and compositions are stunning and the support from Solas members and other guests is fantastic. A wonderful selection of styles, slow airs, reels, jigs. Too many favourites to mention...buy this CD!

I saw Liz Carroll and Jim Dewan early this year at the University of Chicago Folk Festival - they stepped in on short notice for another performer who had become very ill and gave a fantastic performance. One medley was particulary enchanting - I remember Liz saying it was a medley of new tunes that they really liked and hoped we would like too. I'm pretty sure that one of the new tunes I liked so much that night is the second half of track 13. This CD is a gem. If someone offered me a brand spanking new SUV on the condition that I could never listen to 'Lost In The Loop' again, I'd take the CD without hesitation. Seriously!!!

There is not a dull moment on this CD. It is awsome! Liz does a great comeback here. From slower, quieter tunes, to fast reeling ones, she holds the ear. Superb talent! She is one of the BEST. Great job, Liz, can't wait for your next one! Keep 'em comin'!

Irish fiddle music is wonderful and Liz Carroll is the best. This album raises it to another level. You won't hear any better than this, until maybe her next album.

I saw Liz Carroll in concert at the Mississippi River Celtic Music Festival (Tionol) recently. Her performance was enchanting. I rushed out after the concert and bought this CD, and I am extremely happy with it. It has beautiful airs, fast reels, and many are of her own composition. I would suggest this CD for any collection!