A Tune on the Mist by Celtic Knotwork

This is an intriguing group, to say the least. Celtic Knotwork was begun by Mary Baxley as a casual partnership with harpist Christie Saunders, who has since left the band but appears here as a guest musician. It would seem that Celtic Knotwork is not such a casual endeavour anymore, which is a lucky thing for those of us who enjoy Celtic music.

This is a Scottish-American group which integrates a diverse blend of vocals - singing in English, Broad Scots, and of course, Gaelic - as well as instrumentals. According to themselves, they "celebrate the tradition of Scottish and Irish music." And this CD is a testimony of that celebration, being a very lively and uplifting selection of both traditional and original compositions.

Celtic Knotwork is Mary Baxley (lead vocals, bodhran, guitar), Ken McCormick (classic guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals), Jason Nickerson (lead vocals, keyboard, transverse flute, whistle, accordion, highland pipes, small pipes), Judy Warner (fiddle, keyboards, vocals), with guest Christie Saunders (harp). Together they provide a very mature and polished sound for a first CD; singularly, they are all accomplished musicians with a great deal of experience.

The title (and first) track of this CD is an original composition by Ken McCormick and Jason Nickerson. It begins with the waves rushing in and out on a beach and a flute solo: simplistic and yet beautiful. The waves cease as the rest of the group joins in. The song becomes harder and more intense as it goes along, only to end with the flute and the waves, a circle from beginning to end and back again.

Sir Walter Scott provided the words to "MacGregor's Gathering." Mary Baxley's versatile vocals come straight from the heart to create goose bumps and a longing to transcend time itself and join the gathering. This track begins with the pipes, and the vocals are in English and danced about by a mournful fiddle.

The shortest track on the disc is a traditional one, "The Butterfly." It is flawlessly performed a capella by the entire group. Their voices harmonize and blend exquisitely, providing an all-too-brief treat.

I really enjoyed reviewing this CD, and realized that Celtic Knotwork is somewhat similar sounding to another group I really enjoy: the Rankin Family.

Sadly, I can find nothing at all online about this group. I fear that they have called it quits somewhere along the line, and definitely wish them well in what they are doing. If you are lucky enough to find a second hand CD somewhere, give it a listen!

APT= 50:35

A Tune On The Mist
The Stormy Seas of Cape Horn / Am Muilean Dubh
Macgregor's Gathering
The Butterfly
S'ann An Ile
Cold Blows The Wind
The Duke of Edlentown / The Duchess of Gordon
O'Carolyn's Ramble to Cashel
Love Gregor
Wee Elisabeth
Alaisdar Oig Mhic 'ic Neachail
Lord Lovat's Lament / Johnny Cope
Griogal Cridhe

Camp Cooking: 100 Years from the National Museum of Forest Service History

I love to cook. I love to camp. A book entitled “Camp Cooking” is right up my alley! I also love to experiment with old recipes, and some of the ones in this book are just grand. I found a whole new use for my Dutch oven, as I’d been using it for making beans in and nothing else. What a waste! All these years and I could have been using it while we were out camping.

Sourdough is a weakness that I will readily confess to, and I let my starter slip out of my grasp a number of years ago. However, there is one here that is wonderful! You’d never know it was the same starter you’d been nursing for years. I put together the starter and then when it was ready, I borrowed the backyard fire-pit for a time and pretended I was out camping. Some bacon drippings and a couple of cups of sourdough starter, and I had a loaf of bread baking away in my Dutch oven. It was incredible!

Around here we tend to like our eggplant fried in onion and garlic, and served up with a little parmesan sprinkled on top. I spotted this recipe for “Batter Fried Eggplant” and had to give it a try. With spices like curry and ginger, it really aroused my curiosity. For this one I just used a cast iron skillet over hot coals and an inch or so of oil. They came out golden and kicked French fries off of the map!

Desserts are a favourite, whether there’s company or not. The Dutch oven was put back into use for “Easy Peach Dutch Oven Cobbler,” since late summer peaches are available and juicily delicious. This recipe had three ingredients, easy to carry on a camping trip! It took a little finesse, ensuring that the correct number of briquettes were in use and that the oven was rotated on schedule. However, when it was done, this delicious cobbler did serve 8-10 people and was lip smacking with ice cream served alongside. Next time I’m trying the cherry cobbler!

There are some newer recipes here as well, they’re not all old. So you can really have a good time trying out new things and old while enjoying a peaceful camping trip at the lake, or the ocean, or wherever you happen to be. I would suggest bringing a copy along with you, though, it could prove invaluable!

Published by: Gibbs-Smith 2004

Raincoast Books

Almost There by The Dana Wylie Band

The Dana Wylie Band has members from diverse backgrounds creating a chemistry that is unbelievably incredible. There’s a wee bit of everything to be found in their sound, most likely due to the wonderful diversity of the members. The Dana Wylie Band has made this work for them where so many others fail as they cross all the boundaries with complete success.

There are elements of jazz and bluegrass and folk peppering the tracks of this spicy release. “Almost There” is an exceptionally strong debut album. It was recorded while the band was living in England, and has since been followed up with a second release, “The Unruly Ones.” While the band has relocated to Canada (Saskatchewan is Wylie’s home province) it hasn’t affected their sound whatsoever – they still blow the listener away.

Central to the band’s sound is Wylie’s exceptional skill on the piano. Combined with her powerful and overtly passionate vocals, listeners don’t have a choice – they’re caught up and spellbound before they realize it. Add to the mix a talent for creating stories with the lyrics… delivered clearly and for the most part, with a light-hearted pitch. Wylie has a slightly sarcastic streak, and she calls it as she sees it. This is quite noticeable in the track “Karmically Due.”

The first line or two of “Even In Saskatchewan” brought to mind another Canadian, Alannis Morrissette. Wylie is treading her own path, breaking ground and boundaries as she goes. Vocally potent and with an honest outlook on life, Wylie captures ideas, wrapping them in her own words. “We may be just a whole lot of procreating magnets, but we sure have fun sometimes!”

“The Money Song” has a sultry flavour, and takes a serious look at the hold cash has on us, and all the things it cannot give you! Pointedly honest, there’s a huge amount of cheek to this track (something that Wylie has down to a science)! When music and lyrics are combined – this track is scorching!

I’d have to say that my favourite track is “Karmically Due.” I couldn’t stop laughing after the first listen. It’s just so blatantly honest. “My head is too far up my ass and I’m crass…Some days I’m not biased, I hate everyone, especially puppies, cab drivers and girls who wanna have fun!” There’s a brief delve into the melody of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘80’s pop hit “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” a definite side splitter!

“Almost There” -
Even in Saskatchewan
Winter in April
To Go
Jolene
I Know You Know
The Money Song
Hideout
Karmically Due
Hurricane Boy
Getting’ Ahead (The I Don’t Have Time Song)
Tiny White Girl Blues
We Know the Secret

Dana Wylie