From: Pete Fyfe
[petefyfe_at_aol_dot_com]
Sent: 20 February 2012 17:07
Subject: Pete Fyfe review &
sleeve
Attachments: CD Litha - Dancing of the Light .htm
LITHA - Dancing Of The Light
(ARCD 3045)
A few years ago I had the
pleasure of reviewing the 2Duos outstanding debut CD. Since then they've
changed their name to Litha but whatever title they choose, this certainly is a
4-piece more than capable of carving out their own unique slice of Celtic
?folk' history given half a chance. Diving straight in with a powerful set-up
of guitar ?chops' and a swooping riff on the fiddle it opens the album with a
bang on Tim O'Leary's song "Blind George". The vocals are delivered with
passion by Aaron Jones but minus the heavy Scottish bur (think Dougie MacLean
rather than Dick Gaughan) often associated with a majority of bands of this
genre and, in my opinion are all the better for it. The captivating tonal
qualities of Germany's Gudrun Walther provides a wonderful juxtaposition within
the band in much the same way that brother and sister Micheal & Triona
O'Domhnaill did in the Bothy Band and like ?The Bothys' debut album this really
is an exciting prospect. As if to cement the deal check out "Rosie's Reels"
where all four members including Claire Mann's driving fiddle and Jurgen Treyz
rhythmical guitar accompaniment really prove their mettle as inspired instrumentalists.
The group's choice of songs by Suzanne Vega and Karine Polwart's Radio 2
friendly "Waterlily" will be forever immortalised like a stamp through a stick
of Brighton rock and all members are to be complimented for their ?arty' but
consumer friendly approach to their music. By the way trivia fans?for those
wondering where they've heard the tune ?New Claret' at the end of the ?Flying
Dairymaids' it's the elusive title of the tune Fairport couldn't find in their
"Flatback Caper" set on the Full House album. www.litha-music.com
PETE FYFE