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"Here Among Strangers," the second release from Boston-based trio Siúcra is a superb collection of traditional Irish songs and tunes, expertly arranged and performed by Beth Leachman (vocals, bodhran), Shannon Heaton (flute, whistle, backing vocals) and Matthew Heaton (guitar, backing vocals). Scott Alarik of the Boston Globe wrote, "The music is pulsing and vibrant, yet warmly embraces the sweet simplicity of classic Irish melody and lyric sentiment." Siúcra means 'sugar' in Irish Gaelic. Of Siucra's first record, "a place i know," Acoustic Guitar magazine said, "Siúcra is full of hot musicianship, confidence and unstoppable energy. A five-piece band would be hard-pressed to match the amount of music these three musicians produce." The new CD offers strong, meaty material, bursting at the seams with sweet melodic interjections. The first track, "Strands of Magilligan" opens with a mighty guitar and bodhran groove, which not only sets the stage for the first song, but for the entire album. Alongside vocal, flute and whistle lines which weave seamlessly through each track, the guitar and bodhran add depth and rhythmic punch. As for the individual performances, all three musicians deliver solid, jubilant instrumental and vocal work. Beth's vocals have been described by Dirty Linen magazine as "passionate and self-assured." She demonstrates her spectacular control in the up-tempo "Strands of Magilligan," and in her own composition "Maeve's Grave." Beth demonstrates her love of old-style traditional singing in the a capella "Pulling Hard Against the Stream," and her harmonies blend warmly with Matthew and Shannon's vocals in Siucra's rich, progressive arrangement of "P Stands for Paddy." The CD ends with a slow, mournful performance of "One Last Cold Kiss" taking the listener through otherworldly landscapes. Shannon's "stunningly bright and accurate" (Acoustic Guitar) flute-playing drives the full-steam ahead reels "Charlie Harris'," and shimmers in the loping jigs "Only for Barney." She contributes two of her own compositions, a moody slow tune called "The Anniversary Reel" and "Winter in Craughwell," a waltz with a strong, hearty feel. Adding another layer to the strong melodic foundation Shannon sets on flute, Shannon plays a funky set of reels on the low whistle, imparting a distinctly urban vibe to a set of traditional tunes. And throughout the songs, her flute and whistle playing melts effortlessly into each arrangement. Guitarist Matthew once again "nails it all down with his powerful, textured playing" (Acoustic Guitar). His trademark rhythmic punch is a driving force behind the tempo shifting "High Reel" set, and he settles into a funky groove for the "Piper's Dispair." His song accompaniments are at times subtle, at other times aggressive, always thoughtful and never predictable. Using a variety of styles, He exhibits a broad palatte for the song arrangements, from the driving "Peggy-O" to the gentle waltz of "Lovely Annie"; from the hypnotic ostinato in "Maeve's Grave" to the fingerpicked Americana of "One Last Cold Kiss" Matthew delivers an artful and adventurous performance. "Here among strangers" was recorded at Akashic studios, in the mountains west of Boulder, Colorado. The new CD is a satisfying listen from start to finish, expertly engineered by Prasanna Bishop. "Here Among Strangers" features more of what has won Siúcra its loyal fan base: more traditional songs and tunes, more original compositions, and more variety. They even include a live recording of "The White Birds," from their last show as Colorado residents. With the release of "Here Among Strangers," Siúcra is sure to turn many strangers into new-found friends. Check out the artist's website: http://www.siucra.net Track List: 1. The Strands of Magilligan 2. Charlie Harris'/Three Steps Forward/The Torn Jacket 3. Lovely Annie 4. P Stands for Paddy 5. Piper's Despair/The Earl's Chair/Richard Dwyer's 6. Maeve's Grave 7. The Anniversary Reel 8. Only for Barney/Handsome Young Maidens 9. Peggy-O 10. Winter in Craughwell 11. Pulling Hard Against the Stream 12. High Reel/Paddy Fahy's/Cottage in the Grove 13. The White Birds 14. One Last Cold Kiss Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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