Way Out to Hope Street, a really marvelous example of what modern Celtic music can offer. Thirteen pieces have been composed by the group and one more is a new version of a medley originally recorded by Fraser and Machlis in 1986 (traditional dance tunes). The album and the group are receiving a lot of interest because several of its members have performed on the hit films Titanic, Bravehart and The Last of Mohicans. But they don't need to appear in any film credits to show what great musicians they are. Simply, listen to this CD and then you will know! And don't forget the last track, "Bannockburn": it is probably one of the best modern Celtic melodies.
Featuring virtuoso instrumentalists who were brought together by top Scots fiddler Alasdair Fraser during the recording of his Indie Award-winning album Dawn Dance. Virtuosity meets vision as the six members of Skyedance unite their considerable creative spirits in original compositions which push the envelope of the Scottish tradition. Way Out to Hope Street presents music ranging from exquisitely expressive airs to rampaging reels.
Alasdair Fraser (fiddle, viola) Eric Rigler (Great Highland Bagpipe, uilleann pipes, Scottish small-pipes) Chris Norman (wooden flute, piccolo) Paul Machlis (piano, organ, keyboards) Mick Linden (fretless bass) Peter Maund (percussion)
Media Reviews
The sound of expertise - a sound to behold ...
The sound of expertise - a sound to behold ... fiddle, pipes, flute and bass working tightly together, with lyrical rippling piano and the most considerate and imaginative of percussionists."
Customer Reviews
Celtic twilight? righton
I don't get this band. I don't know if they are trying to be Scottish, Celtic or American but on this album for me it doesn't work. It all seems like pseudo Celtic music and I know that many people love it but even after a few lines of writing I still don't get it.
I would recommend that if you are looking for Scottish music pick one of Alasdair Fraser's solo/duo efforts or any other CD on this site.
Something as mundane as an exit sign in a busy railway station can be unusually significant to a group of musicians during the gestation of a new album. This particular Hope Street is in Glasgow, but every city and every heart should have one.
2.
Walking the Plank (Eric Rigler)
A reference to 'traditional' pipe compositions and the occasional edge on which one can live life.
3.
Donostia (Paul Machlis)
The lovely Basque city of Donostia, known also as San Sebastian, is the home of Syntorama, our gracious hosts and tour organisers in Spain. With thanks to Mikel, Cruz and all.
4.
Year's Turning (Paul Machlis)
The title is inspired by Dylan Thomas' 'Poem in October', which closes with 'O may my heart's truth, Still be sung, On this high hill in a year's turning.'
5.
Midnight on Raasay * The Braemar Cappuccino (Alasdair Fraser)
6.
Dizzy (Mick Linden)
Written in celebration of, and recuperation from, a unique and potent beverage called Txakoli, which has its own festival in the Basque Country.
7.
Stoney Run (Chris Norman)
In honour of a beautiful stream that meanders through Baltimore.
8.
The Lupine (Chris Norman)
9.
Dark Jewel (Paul Machlis)
10.
Tathaich nam Fonn (A Song-Haunted Place) (Alasdair Fraser)
The Isle of Skye, off mainland Scotland, is surely one of the loveliest places in the world. Since 1987, Alasdair has led a summer fiddle and dance course there, at Sabhal Mor Ostaig College, helping to revitalise a rich indigenous tradition.
11.
The Skyedance Reels (Ruilleadh Cailleach / The Bird's Nest / Harris Dance) (traditional Scottish)
A new version of a medley originally recorded by Alasdair and Paul ...
12.
Skerray (Chris Norman)
This tune is named for a place in the remote north-western tip of Scotland where the band played in the village hall in 1995
13.
Reel de Flores (Alasdair Fraser and Mick Linden)
14.
Bannockburn (Alasdair Fraser)
In tribute to the spirit of freedom wherever it exists...
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Skyedance: Way Out to Hope Street by Alasdair Fraser
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