The Drover Road by David Wilkie & Cowboy Celtic
Jackie L. Tajiri | 07/06/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I am giving this album only three stars because it is not as good as 'COWBOY CEILIDH' which was recorded by the same artist. I purchased 'THE DROVER ROAD' because I am giving a presentation on the 17th-/18th-Century Irish harper/composer, Turlough O'Carolan, in the winter. I am a longtime Carolan enthusiast and was very impressed with Wilkie's arrangements of the composer's works that appeared in 'COWBOY CEILIDH'. 'THE DROVER ROAD' was no exception. His arrangement of 'O'CAROLAN'S RAMBLE TO CASHEL' is so beautiful, it's breathtaking! The other Carolan track that Wilkie has titled 'MANDOCAROLAN' is exceptional as well. As for the remainder of the CD, the misses outnumber the hits. But there are a few gems here to make the album worth its price. Besides the Carolan tunes, I also enjoyed 'INDIANA' and 'JACKIE COLEMAN'S REEL'. As much as I appreciate the elegantly-beautiful slow airs, I guess I'm partial to lightning-fast reels. Also, it is with the instrumentals that David Wilkie & Co. really shine!
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