"over the moon" reviews and comments
Here are some reviews and comments on “over the moon” so far:
Scotland on Sunday -Sun 9 Dec 2007
CATRIONA MACDONALD ****
Over The Moon-Peerie Angel Productions PAP002CD
The solo album from the Shetland lass is a cool collection of carefully played contemporary fiddle settings. Centred on lesser-known traditional music from her home archipelago, the album also includes tunes from North America and Scandinavia, and some of her own, in thoughtful jazz-trio textures. It's easy on the ears, and includes a peerie hidden track of herself, singing an old trowie ballad. - Norman Chalmers
Five years on from her debut solo recording and Catriona MacDonald has emerged as a fiddle player of great beauty and integrity. In company with David Milligan (piano), Conrad Ivitsky (double bass) and James Mackintosh (percussion) the traditional leanings of her Shetland upbringing and own tune writing merge seamlessly with the jazz accompaniment which is exhilarating. Somewhere, way back when I was in junior school (I’m 50 now so you figure it out) I fondly remember listening to Scottish fiddle music accompanied by strident piano jazz chords so in many ways things haven’t moved that much further it’s just they’ve become more contemporary (listener friendly) and in the hands of these four musicians they’ve re-awakened my desire to concentrate on my own performance. Favourite tracks?...There’s not one as they’re all as good as each other. Anything that can revitalize my somewhat jaded ears can only be seen as a positive thing and you’ll find this is one of the recordings that you’ll sit down, soak up the sounds and wake up with a broad grin on your face. www.catrionamacdonald.com
PETE FYFE
…..Great new album by the "Shetland Fiddle Diva". Superb, subtle and succulent.
History starts today ! ! -Footstompin Forum
…..The Shetland fiddle diva is in fine form here with a select band of backing musicians providing trad to jazzy accompaniments……………... All played with great panache.
…..The Shetland fiddler enjoys a teasing little reel played in a light jazzy way before nudging her trio awake to soar into full flight.
She certainly hits all the right notes and is not afraid to take chances.
This strikes us as being a thoughtful offering, bringing the fiddle into the band as the lead instrument rather than just fiddling with some rhythm support and it makes for a better listening experience.
The tune selection, too, is out of the norm.; Refreshing!
….After a seven year gap, this is the long-awaited second solo album from Shetland fiddler and sole girl-member of the popular band 'Blazin' Fiddles', Catriona Macdonald. Well worth the wait with a beautiful selection of tunes and some glorious lyrical playing.-Footstompin
Scotland on Sunday -Sun 9 Dec 2007
CATRIONA MACDONALD ****
Over The Moon-Peerie Angel Productions PAP002CD
The solo album from the Shetland lass is a cool collection of carefully played contemporary fiddle settings. Centred on lesser-known traditional music from her home archipelago, the album also includes tunes from North America and Scandinavia, and some of her own, in thoughtful jazz-trio textures. It's easy on the ears, and includes a peerie hidden track of herself, singing an old trowie ballad. - Norman Chalmers
Five years on from her debut solo recording and Catriona MacDonald has emerged as a fiddle player of great beauty and integrity. In company with David Milligan (piano), Conrad Ivitsky (double bass) and James Mackintosh (percussion) the traditional leanings of her Shetland upbringing and own tune writing merge seamlessly with the jazz accompaniment which is exhilarating. Somewhere, way back when I was in junior school (I’m 50 now so you figure it out) I fondly remember listening to Scottish fiddle music accompanied by strident piano jazz chords so in many ways things haven’t moved that much further it’s just they’ve become more contemporary (listener friendly) and in the hands of these four musicians they’ve re-awakened my desire to concentrate on my own performance. Favourite tracks?...There’s not one as they’re all as good as each other. Anything that can revitalize my somewhat jaded ears can only be seen as a positive thing and you’ll find this is one of the recordings that you’ll sit down, soak up the sounds and wake up with a broad grin on your face. www.catrionamacdonald.com
PETE FYFE
…..Great new album by the "Shetland Fiddle Diva". Superb, subtle and succulent.
History starts today ! ! -Footstompin Forum
…..The Shetland fiddle diva is in fine form here with a select band of backing musicians providing trad to jazzy accompaniments……………... All played with great panache.
…..The Shetland fiddler enjoys a teasing little reel played in a light jazzy way before nudging her trio awake to soar into full flight.
She certainly hits all the right notes and is not afraid to take chances.
This strikes us as being a thoughtful offering, bringing the fiddle into the band as the lead instrument rather than just fiddling with some rhythm support and it makes for a better listening experience.
The tune selection, too, is out of the norm.; Refreshing!
….After a seven year gap, this is the long-awaited second solo album from Shetland fiddler and sole girl-member of the popular band 'Blazin' Fiddles', Catriona Macdonald. Well worth the wait with a beautiful selection of tunes and some glorious lyrical playing.-Footstompin