Live [LIVE]

Natalie Macmaster (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 4, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Label: Rounder / UMGD
• ASIN: B0000667OM
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #126,709 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster's two-CD live set is neatly divided into music for listening and music for dancing. MacMaster recorded the "in concert" first disc at a 2001 show with her six-piece band. The performances include medleys of dance tunes interspersed with a handful of lovely slow airs. The arrangements are both eclectic and contemporary--her version of the Italian tune "Torna a Surriento" segues into a reel and then into "Flamenco Fling," for example--but MacMaster's deep connection to her Cape Breton roots keeps the music from straying too far from the traditional. The second disc, the "Glencoe Dance," was recorded at a Cape Breton square dance in 1997 and features MacMaster backed only by piano and acoustic guitar. The tunes and arrangements are unabashedly traditional, and MacMaster creates an intoxicating rhythmic pulse that has the entire hall dancing, clapping, and whooping along with her intricate melodic fancies. Live is a rare glimpse of an expert fiddler who is creating vibrant, modern music while still keeping in touch with the traditional sounds that nurtured her. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TWO HOURS OF NATALIE!! WHAT COULD BE BETTER?, June 22, 2002

By	goodoldmac "goodoldmac" (Charlotte, North Carolina United States) - See all my reviews

There is in mythology a character that drew his strength from the earth. As long as he was in contact with the earth, he could not be defeated. It reminds me of Natalie MacMaster's rapport with a live audience. She draws strength from them. Alone in a recording studio, she is amazing, on a concert stage this young (she has just turned 30) Canadian's talent is beyond description. Now I admit I am probably the last choice on earth to be objective about this lady's music, since I have been in love with it since the first notes I heard, but this CD is nothing short of amazing! During her concerts,she holds nothing back and this recording gets the listener as close to a Natalie MacMaster concert as is possible without leaving your home. Of course it is not a dynamic as actually being there, but it does come close. The first of the two CDs was a concert recording, and Natalie truly shined that night. Long time fans of hers will recognize bits and pieces of tunes here and there, (her fans are used to Natalie's 'mix and match' approach to her music, mixing a jig here, a reel there...)and I don't think I have ever heard her play better. Two tunes from her "In My Hands" release are included here, the beautiful "Bluebonnets Over the Border" and "Welcome to Trossachs", but the live performance adds something special. There is not a 'clunker' on the CD, in my opinion. And the selection "Tullochchgorum" knocked me flat! Natalie plays for an amazing 9 minutes 56 seconds, and what to me sounds like some incredibly involved runs, it simply has to be heard to be believed.
The second Cd was recorded 5 years ago at a square dance, which Natalie refers to as "Cape Breton music in its natural enviroment" and it is as engergetic as the first. (Though not included in this CD, it was this same concert that Natalie's duet with her uncle Buddy MacMaster, found on her "My Roots Ard Showing" CD, was recorded) This is the 'Cape Breton Sound' up close, personal and raw. How the Glencoe Mills Hall survived the shouting, stomping and sheer magic of everyone getting carried away by one of the worlds greatest musicans will always be a mystery. Natalie MacMaster performs like no one else, so don't miss this recording...even better if you get the chance (she has really reduced her touring schedule and possibly with her upcoming marriage will reduce it further)go see her in concert, for no one gives a better live show..till then, you will just have to be satistified with this album....

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Capre Breton fiddling at its best, July 7, 2002

By	William W. Smith "-wick smith" (Basking Ridge, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great double album of fiddling by one of the world's great exponents of the genre. And it's wonderful to hear the atmosphere and the up-close crowd sounds of the small town hall where one of the discs was recorded.

For someone not entirely sold on this type of music, one of Natalie's earlier discs might be more accessible. There is a lot of music here. But if you like this kind of Canadian/Celtic music, you will love this set.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Let the Cover Fool You!, August 28, 2002

By A Customer

The cover photo on nearly all of Natalie's CDs depicts a wholesome, girl-next-door, demure sort of character. Her music is anything but! Her skill is nothing short of amazing on this CD. Natalie is one of those musicians who possesses the rare combination of virtuosity and a stage presence that doesn't quit. One moment your heart will be weeping at her soulful renditions and the next you won't be able to stop your feet from dancing. She knows exactly what she's doing to your emotions and she does it on purpose. At times you'll swear there MUST be two violins playing, both of them allegro. She's that good. Add in the celtic influence of jigs and reels and it just can't get much better than this.