Friday, December 7, 2012

CD Review: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band with Univ. of Mary Washington's Philharmonic Orchestra's 'A Fiddler's Holiday'

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band
A Fiddler's Holiday
Rounder

The end of the year boasts numerous holidays and celebrations--many of them, musical. Jay Ungar and Molly Mason join the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra for an outstanding live performance of over one dozen toe-tapping instrumental tunes that celebrate the holiday season after Thanksgiving. There are no vocals, but some of the song introductions contain background on the songs. The soulful fiddling, folksy-picking, and pensive piano with galloping percussion in the Celtic, European, and Folk-driven genres. There are danceable tunes throughout with little in the way for relaxing. However, some of the tunes are somber and reflective, but the vocals on "Darkest Days, Brightest Nights" are sweet and evocative. Anyone with an interest in live folk recordings with a Celtic edge honoring Christmas, Chanukah, Solstice, etc. will love it. ~ Matthew Forss

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