Customer Reviews

Transatlantic Sessions

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

 

 

While this title undoubtedly has its weak spots, it is, overall, one of the best compilations of folk music to blend American and Scot/Irish influences. In the U.K., this recording of a BBC television program received popular acclaim. However, in the U.S., its release came and went with barely a whisper. In fact, in the days before Amazon.com, I couldn't locate the CD anywhere in the Atlanta, GA, area. Finally, friends from Scotland came to my rescue with a prized copy.

Producer Jerry Douglas has assembled a strong sampling of some of the best acoustic artists from both sides of the Atlantic. While some of the names are familiar to American listeners, others have achieved little commercial success in the U.S. -- most notably some of the Brits.

Singer/songwriter Nanci Griffith turns in her usual solid performance, with lilting vocals, evocative writing and adequate guitar. However, the selection she chose to perform is, in my estimation, one of her weaker efforts.

Ricky Skaggs, as always, turns in a pleasing performance, making you long for the "Simple Life" of his Kentucky homeland. But, again, the choice of material is questionable, given Skaggs' rich catalog of work.

Other artists, like Michael Doucet and Eddie Reader, get your feet tapping. On the flip side, Maura O'Connell evokes emotions from deep within, with her melancholy voice and compelling material. Performers like Rosanne Cash and Radney Foster turn in solid performances and lend the production a bit of name recognition. And even Paul Brady's satirical tale of fame, drugs and death can't make you feel anything less than disappointed when this CD draws to a close.

"Transatlantic Sessions" delivers more than a collaboration of great talents -- it provides a rich cultural experience you'll want to enjoy over and over again.

We found this "very hard to find" album on audio cassette. If you don't mind cassettes you can still get yourself a copy.

Transatlantic Sessions Audio Cassette

The music is okay but nothing exceptional and definitly not worth the amount charged for it. Since I was actually searching under DVD's I was not really expecting a music CD.