Celtic Beat, August, 1999
On his new CD, Ryan Thomson is joined by many fine musicians he
has performed with over the years such as Dave Hallowell, David
Surette, Don Wessels, Ste Brown, etc. in a series of duets...and
wonderful they are! Right from the spirited opening tune "JR's
jig" to the soft and sparkling "Give me Your Hand"
featuring the lovely harp playing of Regina Delaney to the "3
tunes from Quebec" featuring the rhythmic percussion of master
bonesman Steve Brown, this CD has variety.
There's a unique rendition of "New Hampshire Hornpipe/The
long winding Road to Elkins" with Don Wessels on chromatic
harmonica and Arkansas Traveler/Soldier's Joy" which will
get you dancing. Two favorite tunes on this CD include "Sean's
Squeezebox Tune" - so different, yet lively and charming
and "Funky Jig," a wild and fiery innovative tune which
one must absolutely hear!
Yes, lots of variety including dance tunes such as jigs, polkas,
reels and cajun tunes - contra dancers take note! And for just
plain listening, buy this CD and pop it in. It will brighten up
your day!
Dear Ryan,
Thank you so much for the Newmarket Duets CD! I was surprised
how visually attractive it is - what a great house! And the tunes
gave me a raging case of Happy Feet. I brought the CD to school...
which didn't work out very well. I thought it would be good background
music while I work.
I sat at the computer but for most of the tunes I'd be concentrating
on the music, imagining playing along instead of finishing a database
of current music majors. Then when Kitchen Gal started - who can
sit still??? - I had to jump up and clog around the office (checked
first to make sure my boss wasn't in his office next to mine).
Great tunes - so far, I think Sean's Squeeze Box Tune is my favorite.
Thanks again!
S.H