Search - John Carty :: Last Night's Fun

This is not "World Music"...

S. West | Oak Park, IL USA | 11/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"if your taste in "Celtic" music requires African drums, musical gourds and elgiac, wordless choirs, please look elsewhere... This is an example of the best of Irish traditional fiddling to be found anywhere. If you are reading this review you must be new to Irish Trad, else you have already tasted this great fruit of the Irish fiddle tradition, and have no need for the opinions of strangers on the quality and value of John Carty's work. The arrangements are simple and straightforward as you might hear him in the kitchen, still lashing away after a night of the craic. No exotic instrumentals and studio effects are needed; John Carty's playing is rich and organic, fresh and affectionate without being self-consciously affectated. Unlike too many "traditional" players, no neo-classical romanticism interferes with the music as expressed through John's elegant interpretations which are infused with a thoughtful sensibility, a wit and whimsy, that makes his own every tune he plays. If you are a player, you will find a wealth of material and ideas in this and all other of John's records."