SPINNING WHEEL

They've been making their Celtic-sounding music for over twenty years now, and have already released four albums. But this time they've gone one step further, offering us two albums at the same time. Over the last few years they've accumulated a large number of songs waiting to be recorded. In the end, they had 24 songs at their disposal, hence the project to release two albums simultaneously.

The first of the two, Handspun, brings together twelve songs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and the Isle of Skye, all performed in their original language, which in itself is quite an achievement.
Several waulking songs from the Hebrides: Hè Mo Leannan, Gaol Ise Gaol I and White the Sheep. An Isle of Man lullaby: Ushag Veg Ruy and an Irish children's song: Nead na Lachan. A superb Cornish melody: Medhel An Gwyns. Two Welsh songs: Hen Ferchetan and Y Cwcw Fach. And then there's a concession to contemporary song with two melodies composed by British folk singer Kate Rusby.

The second album, Threadbare, is a collection of partly well-known songs from the various countries of the vast Celtic landmass. Pastures of Plenty, a song written by Woodie Guthrie and popularised by Solas. The very famous Wild Mountain Thyme, Skye Boat Song, a 19th-century song telling the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Scottish prince defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. And Irish standards Mo Ghile Mear and My Lagan Love. There's also Enya's May It Be and The Mummers' Dance, borrowed from Loreena McKennitt's repertoire. More original is Tri Martolod, who need no introduction.
A trio made up of Bernhart and Danika Ruso, with her crystalline, almost elfin voice, and Fabian Zechmeister, Spinning Wheel serves up acoustic music with delicate arrangements reminiscent of early Clannad records.
The band skilfully blends the enchanting sounds of Celtic music with the authentic tones of traditional instruments: harp, nyckelharpa, accordion, guitar, bouzouki, flute and whistles.
Two beautiful albums, and a band to be discovered as soon as possible.

Autoproduit - www.spinningwheel.at