Search - Norman :: Chris Norman: Portraits

Incredible Variety

Jason | Baltimore, MD | 10/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD really can't be seen as a "best of" album, because I think Norman has too many great pieces to fit on one CD, but what it can be seen as is an incredible collaboration of his many years of hard work. This CD consists of selections from his various CDs with groups/ individuals like Helicon (a Baltimore based trio), The Baltimore Consort, Alasdair Fraser, Camerata Bariloche, Pete Sutherland, Custer LaRue, and the list goes on. If these names don't mean anything to you, just trust me that they are all magnificent musicians who are well known on the international circuit. Although I own the CDs that more than 60% of these songs came from, there are a collection of previously unreleased tracks on this album that keep me coming back for more. My favorite tracks are 5-8, 11-14, and 15. Track 5 stands alone as what I consider the greatest waltz I've ever heard. Billy Comiskey is incredible on the accordian, and the Quebecois blend is something so amazing that it cannot be described in words. Tracks 6-8 are a series of reels from Norman's "The Beauty of the North" CD, and they simply make you feel good all over. Tracks 11-14 are a series of American tunes from Norman's "The Man With the Wooden Flute" album, and are a wonderful blend of upbeat little tunes. Track 15 is the first song of Norman's that I can specifically remember falling in love with. Again, I can't really describe why it's so incredible, but take my word for it, and buy this album, not just for the specific tracks that I mentioned, but for the entire experience that Norman creates. It's truly magnificent!"