Customer Reviews

Skyedance

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

An award-winning Scottish fiddler and a New-Agey pianist combine forces, and the results are pure magic. They stay true to the traditional tunes (instead of, for example, jazzing up the rhythms or tweaking the tempi); the innovation lies in Machlis' fresh harmonies and Fraser's discreet use of improvisation. The tunes (mostly unfamiliar) are a good selection and well contrasted, and the title track, played as a slow air, is one of the most haunting melodies I've ever heard. Ever since the first time I heard it (on the late, lamented KLRS in Monterey, CA), this album has been on my "most likely to take to a desert island" list.

Anything with Alasdair Fraser is going to rank very, very high with me. The passion, compassion, joy, and sweetness of this music transports me to an entirely estatic place of being. This will make your heartstrings thrumb with pleasure! If you ever have a chance to hear him live, do not pass it up... he brings his audience into a circle of warmth and community. You truly feel like a part of his tribe.

Driving along the California coast, windows open, exhausted, Skyedance fills me with life and enthusiasm. Ruidleadh Cailleach, Sheatadh Cailleach was my wedding processional in a mountain campground. It is new and eternal. I can't describe in words what is pure poetry of sound, feeling. The rhythm catches you up and moves you, while the harmonies calm and cradle you.

While I have enjoyed most of Alasdair Fraser's recordings over the years, I find this is definitely his best offering. Both the choice of tunes and the arrangements are superb. If you can only have a Scottish fiddle album, make sure this is it !

Beautiful, powerful fiddle music. I rarely rate any CD 5 stars, but this is really a no brainer, as Alasdair is really without equal.

Alasdair Fraser does it again! I rate this CD as nearly comparable to The Road North-- not just Mr. Fraser's virtuosity with the fiddle (and viola), but also the selction of songs--something for every mood. Well worth adding to your collection if you enjoy Scottish fiddle music!

This album is so perfect. It has accompanied beautiful drives in the country, good times and bad, and I even used one of the tracks as my wedding processional. It is uplifting, simple, and heartfelt. The perfect accompaniment for a full life!

I couldn't find these tunes locally, but found them on Amazon just before Xmas. Fast delivery so I could give them to my Sis as a present. Thanks.