by PJ Birosik

by P.J. Birosik

This month's column is part one of a three-issue special focus devoted to roots: earth-oriented, people-friendly songs that seek to facilitate communication of a shared state of being. As always, if you have trouble finding these or any music recording reviewed in The Monthly Aspectarian at your local retailer, please call 847-966-1110 and ask for the record company's phone number for the title(s) you desire.

CELTIC ROOTS

Various Artists

DUBLIN
TO DAKAR

(Putumayo)

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The term "Celtic music" brings to mind the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland; but thanks to over 2,000 years of migration, the Celts also settled in France, Spain, northern Italy, even the Balkans. This sampler presents music drawn from the breadth of the Celt's global odyssey - from Algeria to Ghana, Guinea to Norway -- with exceptional liner notes that make one wonder if there isn't a little Celt in everyone. Hot acts include Capercaille, who combine traditional instruments and ancient Gaelic clapping with electronic beats and a truly modern lyric that translates as "Who Will Flirt With Me?"; the lilting violin and hypnotic percussion of Kila, whose "Rusty Nails" is sung primarily in Gaelic; and the surprising sounds of the Modena City Ramblers, an Italian band that performs Irish music on traditional instruments.

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• A United Earth-I • Azwaw 2 • Canzone Dalla Fine Del Mondo • One Glimpse Of You • Soiridh Leis

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Hesperus

CELTIC
ROOTS

(Maggie's Music)

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This vibrant sextet researches and arranges Scottish and Irish music from the earliest traditional sources using ancient instruments such as bass viola de gamba and theorbo (long necked lute with many extra bass strings) as well as early guitars, recorders and hammered dulcimer. The result is a spectacular blend of the courtly and the cottage, with lively improvisations and stunning solos. For example, the lovely air, "Aileen Aroon" presents a set of variations dating back to 1740 that were originally recommended for flute, violin or harpsichord, but do very well here using lute and viola. "When She Cam Ben, She Bobbit" uses a bass line similar to the well-beloved tune "Greensleeves," with equally pleasing results; "The Thistle" combines folk and classical elements for a delicate chamber music sound. Hesperus is academically grounded yet loves to soar, trying novel arrangements that still remain true to historical precedents. A career masterpiece, and a must-have for early music fans!

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• Haste To The Wedding (Rural Felicity) / Priest In His Boots, The / Off She Goes • Reel Of Tulloch, The • MacDonalds Of The Isles March To Harlaw / Source Of The Spey (Strathspey) / Periwig (Reel), The • Aileen Aroon • Scotch Hornpipe (Souters Of Selkirk)

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Maddy Prior

FLESH
& BLOOD

(Park Records)

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If there is one identifiable voice in roots music, Maddy's is it! More medieval than modern, she draws lyrics from the poetry of Todd Rungren and Sibelius, then adds soaring instrumentals that compare favorably to those performed during her 28 years as the heart of the legendary Steeleye Span. Spirit-filled, rural sound as timeless as it is beautiful.

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Lindisfarne

HERE COMES
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

(Park Records)

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Newcastle's finest acoustic traditional pub band presents exciting all-new tunes that will have you singing and dancing along to the happy guitars, fiddle, mandolin, accordion, banjo and great vocals. Lindisfarne has deservedly topped the charts many times since its 1969 formation.

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Kathryn Tickell

THE GATHERING

(Park Records)

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Marvelously vital, expressive player of Northumbrian pipes and Shetland fiddle joyfully blends with acoustic guitar and bass on heartfelt traditional and original tunes. Beautiful waltzes and dances led Tickell to perform with the Chieftains and Sting; here, she struts her stuff with elegance and grace.

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• Raincheck • Lads Of Alnwick / Sunderland Lasses / Peacocks March • Redesdale
La Bettaille Dans La Petit Arbre / Acharavi Waltz • Gathering, The

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The Rough Guide to:

ENGLISH
ROOTS
MUSIC

(World Music Network)

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Visit local alehouses and ancient Albion's mist-shrouded court in homage to all that is England! After the dark, enigmatic vocal stylings of the Hank Dogs, the pace picks up with high kicking, fiddle-led band Eliza Carthy & the Kings of Calicutt. The absolutely exquisite "Sail On By" superbly represents the Oysterband's repertoire; formed in the early '70s, this tight ensemble has topped the folk charts more than any other artist. Britfolk's most famous family, Waterson:Carthy, bows in with "Claudy Banks," an innovative acoustic guitar tune that mesmerizes as crystalline vocals tell a tale of fateful love, while the father of modern revivalists, Ashley Hutchings, is represented by the Albion Band's "Yellow Dress." But from genius piper Billy Pigg to step-dance singer Harry Cox, this collection admirably navigates an impressive variety of roots music old and new that's delightful through and through.

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• Lucky Break - Hank Dogs • Trip - Eliza Carthy & The Kings Of Calicutt • Sail On By - Oysterband
Claudy Banks - Waterson Carthy • Be My Rambling Woman - Rory Mcleod

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Steeleye Span

HORKSTOW
GRANGE

(Park Records)

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Celebrating their 30th anniversary, these roots pioneers shine on quintessential pieces of English balladry like "One True Love" and "The Tricks of London," while the title track tells the story of the band's namesake with characteristic driving bass lines, subtle keyboards, artful violin and dramatic vocal harmonies.

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• Old Turf Fire, The • Tricks Of London, The • Horkstow Grange • Lord Randall • Erin

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Various Artists

HISTORY OF BRITISH FOLK ROCK

(Park Records)

Exemplary anthology of "new" traditional music by a who's who of legendary performers including Capercaillie, Steeleye Span, Oysterband, the Strawbs, Fairport Convention and Pentangle, as well as lesser known groups Runrig -- whose "Breaking the Chains" is positively incendiary -- and New Celeste. Cream of the crop, all the way.

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Nitzane Binyamin
Chorus

THE MOST
BEAUTIFUL
JEWISH SONGS

(Tara)

Sung by an Israeli choir of 20 women from the Bibilical section allocated to the Tribe of Benjamin, the varied songs presented are all equally filled with passion for the land and its people. From the well-known "Sunrise, Sunset" -- popularized in the hit film, Fiddler On The Roof -- to the lesser known but still beautiful "Song of the Vineyard," the lyrics seek to explore the mystical connection between sacred earth and its inhabitants. Also included are the patriotic "I Have No Other Land," a medley of synagogue liturgical tunes, and "Russian Medley," led by the cantor of the Israeli army! Liner notes are in the native Hebrew language as well as English, so that all can follow the poetic lyrics as the music plays. Relish the pure pleasure of the sound!

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Geela

THE VEIL OF LIFE

(Global Vision Records)

On this exciting debut, Middle Eastern vocal trillings meld with kicky Euro-bop and contemplative ballads filled with earthy soul, connecting us to our spiritual roots. "Sahara" is fired by Geela's sensual, breathy vocals and sweet harmonies blended with tantalizing dumbek rhythms and spicy Greek guitar solos. Changing gears, "Like a Circle" is pure dance music with whispered words and soaring song lines counterpointed by a mellifluous piano melody. The samba-powered "Bailalero" is irresistible with its dramatic drum rolls, stinging steel-string guitar and urgent, passionate lyrics. Geela certainly knows how to turn up the heat until high drama ignites into burning excitement.

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Klezmatics w/
Chava Alberstein

THE WELL

(Xenophile)

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Quirky, but impeccably accomplished, Jewish-American roots band joins a celebrated Israeli diva to create new song settings of verse by great 20th century Yiddish poets. From the torch-like rambling of "I Stand Beneath a Carob Tree" to the polka-like dance tune, "Any Girl Who Takes A Boyfriend," this anthology is packed with gems.

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El-Funoun

MUSIC FROM THE
PALESTINIAN
HOLY LAND

(Sounds True)

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This respected ensemble is reviving regional folklore by preserving centuries-old songs and dances, as well as playing techniques of folk instruments. "Initiation to Ecstasy" boasts captivating ethnic vocal stylings and sinuous melodies, while the passionate pattering of hand drums and female chorus characterize the hypnotic "Chiming Bracelets." Virtuosic!

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• Tulbah (Proposition) • Miriam's Father • Initiation Of Ecstasy • Fardah • Miriam

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Various Artists

CAIRO TO CASABLANCA

(Putumayo)

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North African music claims more Arabic musical influences than central or southern styles, from entrancing Moroccan polyrhythms to soulful Algerian rai. The terrain may conjure up arid images, but the music is amazingly colorful and perfumed; songs bloom like flowers, particularly on "Ya Rayah," "Mabrouk Wo Arisna" and "Leali."

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• Ya Rayah - Rachid Taha • Mabrouk Wo Arisna - Ali Hassa Kuban • Ki Kounti - Khaled
Dikra - Raina Rai • Nahawand - Sharkiat

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Bashir Abdel Al

ART OF THE ARABIAN FLUTE

(ARC Music)

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order CD)

Accompanied by deeply meditative and ethereal keyboard, the music of the Arabian reed flute -- or nay (sometimes spelled ney) -- is sensitive, haunting, often breath-taking in its stark beauty. In the hands of a true maestro like Abdel, it becomes transformative, soul-searing and unforgettable. An absolute collector's item for fans of new age as well as world music!

(To listen to the samples below, you must have RealPlayer)

• Al Khayam • Khinea La Layla (Song For Layla) • Habib Albeh (Love In My Heart)
Aridda Wal Noor • Tiyer Bil Howa (Flying Bird)

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