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Jeremiah McLane & Ruthie Dornfeld: Hummingbird |
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( Ruthie Dornfeld is a wide-ranging fiddler, described in a recent issue of this magazine (Winter 2002/03) as playing in “a dazzling array of styles, all with the fattest tone imaginable, not to mention beautifully perfect intonation.” Her latest outing, Hummingbird, pairs her with the equally wide-ranging and imaginative Jeremiah McLane on accordion, piano, and Hammond B3 organ. Though both are veterans of the contra dance circuit and adept at the common coin of the realm—that blend of Irish and Quebecois tunes—this new album features a blend of original material and traditional French tunes. The originals, comprising over half of the material, have a French accent, and the result is fresh and relaxing. The album is a true duet—no additional musicians sneak in on the side—but with just these two instruments and what sounds like a minimum of overdubs and studio trickery, these consummate musicians create a full and enveloping sound, switching between unison playing. trading leads and searching harmonies. Most listeners will be less than familiar with the French repertoire, it being not as easy to find as Irish or old-timey tunes—the rhythms are subtle, not like the in-your-face drive of fast reels, and the melodies twisting, their charms becoming more apparent with each listen. All in all, it seems like the perfect soundtrack for a sunny summer afternoon, sitting in a comfortable chair beneath the shade of a tree, gin and tonic in hand. It almost goes without saying, though I’ll say it anyways, that Ruthie’s playing is superb, as is Jeremiah’s. Her tone is, indeed, fat, her stylings and variations creative and always adding to the music, never calling undue attention to herself. Jeremiah has fantastic control over his (piano) accordion, playing with a sprightliness like Shakespeare’s Puck. If you prefer staying on familiar ground, this album may not be the thing for you—but it offers substantial rewards for the adventurous. |
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© Brendan Taaffe, 2005. All Rights Reserved. |
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