Exposé print issues (1993-2011)
Susan McKeown — Bushes and Briars
(Alula ALU-1008, 1998, CD)
by Paul Hightower, Published 1999-01-01
Susan McKeown, a young Irish emigrant living in the U.S., is a new entrant to the Celtic folk scene and comes to us via the Alula label, yet another member of the burgeoning world music biz. On Bushes and Briars, Susan has wisely decided to stick to traditional material, picked up from some of the living masters of the form, such as Paddy Tunney and June Tabor. Some of the pieces are sung in Gaelic and some in English, and yet all demonstrate Susan's grasp of her heritage and the breadth of material that has survived the centuries. Songs such as “In London So Fair,” “Bonny Boy,” and “The Banks of Claudy” offer up messages of love from hundreds of years ago, while others such as “Craigie Hill” and “After Aughrim” provide a view into the heart and soul of the Irish people, so often tinged in tragedy and strife. I was also relieved that Susan elected to forgo heavy production values and arrangements (a la Loreena McKennitt) and instead has kept the musical canvases clean and earthy. Instrumental accompaniment is typically provided by beautifully played flute and woodwinds along with drums and other ethnic percussion. This helps to enhance the timeless quality of the songs and supports Susan's modest, yet earnest voice. As Windham Hill had demonstrated successfully in the 80s, a new label in a niche market can help all of its artists while promoting one. Hence, on Bushes and Briars, Susan is joined by several of her Alula label-mates such as Johnny Cunningham and Jamshied Sharifi on fiddle and keys, respectively. Though lacking the pipes of a Sandy Denny or Mary Black, Susan is a fine interpreter of her Celtic musical heritage and, on Bushes and Briars, demonstrates her ability to package her craft in a compelling fashion. Highly recommended.
Filed under: New releases, Issue 16, 1998 releases
Related artist(s): Susan McKeown
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