CD-REVIEWS APRIL 2009
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
LIZ CARROLL & JOHN DOYLE
Double Play
Love and music are two constants that will remain in this world no matter what is happening financially or otherwise. I was reminded of that as I listened to Irish-American fiddle master Liz Carroll and Irish guitar powerhouse John Doyle on their new collaborated CD, Double Play.
Liz Carroll and John Doyle recently performed for U.S. President Barack Obama at the Annual St. Patrick's Day luncheon at the Capital Building in Washington, D.C. The event was hosted by Speaker of The House, Nancy Pelosi and among the guests was the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Brian Cowen.
With the world financial crisis weighing heavily on the shoulders of both world leaders, it was probably a pleasant respite to listen to the joyful and uplifting music of Carroll and Doyle.
Both Carroll and Doyle achieved success at a young age. Chicago-born Carroll won the Senior All-Ireland at age 18, not a small feat for an American.
Introduced to Irish music by his grandfather Tommy, Dublin-native Doyle was playing professionally at age 16, and soon joined an energetic collection of New-York based Irish musicians, including Eileen Ivers and Seamus Egan, giving birth to the Irish supergroup Solas.
Both of these artists have achieved success as solo artists and with others, Doyle with Solas and Carroll, and Carroll with Trian.
Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago proclaimed Liz Carroll Day in Chicago on September 18, 1999. Both Carroll and Doyle have received many awards and accolades throughout their career, Doyle being dubbed "a master finger-picker" and Carroll "a fiddler reaching beyond herself."
On Double Play three tracks feature Doyle's vocals, Down at the Wakehouse, The Hare's Lament, and A Pound A Week Rise, a Dick Gaughan song which paid tribute to the 1984 miner's strike of Wales and England. There are 13 exceptional tracks on Double Play.
Just when you think nothing more can be achieved by a fiddle or guitar player...along comes Liz Carroll and John Doyle and blow that thinking right out the window.
Double Play is recorded on the Compass Label.
KIERAH Irish Madness
Original & Traditional
Fiddle Music
Kierah is 11 years old and the youngest of seven children. She began playing classical violin at age four and at age five she was introduced to fiddle music, which she has been playing with great gusto and passion ever since.
Kierah is a member of the Semiahmoo String Youth Orchestra, where she recently had the honour of playing Vivaldi's Spring as a soloist.
She has started also writing her own music inspired by her family and friends.
Fiddle player Kierah is accompanied on Irish Madness by well-known guitarist Andy Hillhouse, who founded the band Mad Pudding and is now touring with the McDades.
There are 11 tracks on Irish Madness which include many of the well-known traditional fiddle pieces such as: Devil's Dream; Mason's Apron; Swallowtail Jig; Drowsey Maggie; Lime Hill, and Tam Lyn's Reel to name a few.
Kierah has dedicated the CD in memory of her grandmother Flannery and she was also inspired to write her first tune to the Flannery family for their support and laughter, which is entitled The Flannery Chuckle.
The fiddle playing of young Kierah far belies her 11 years of age and when you combine that with starting to write her own music there can be little doubt that we will be hearing more from this young woman.
To purchase the CD and for more information, visit: www.irishmadness.com
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