Mixing traditional Celtic music with Bluegrass would seem on the face of it to be a happy partnership, but in reality very few of these type of recordings have stood up to the sternest test of the bluegrass and Irish music fans, with the criticism of compromise by watering-down both elements often being levelled.
The Crossing by Tim O'Brien appears to have escaped this criticism, with his ancestral roots showing through on sensitive readings of a wide range of musical voyages. Guests include Paul Brady, Maura O'Connell, Kathy Mattea, Del McCoury, Altan, Frankie Gavin, Jerry Douglas, Earl Scruggs, Seamus Egan and many others who have contributed to what is obviously a labour of love for Tim O'Brien.
It is worth noting that The Crossing is much more than an instrumental album, and there are any number of interesting subjects that are tackled, including the Mexican border wars. John Riley was co-written with Guy Clark, again reinforcing the superlative writing.
Track Listing :
- Ireland's Green Shore
- Mountaineer Is Always Free
- Crossing
- Into The West
- Wagoner's Lad
- Down In The Willow Garden
- Kid On The Mountain
- Lost Little Children
- Ireland's Green Shore
- John Riley
- Rod McNeil
- Lord McDonald/Cumberland Gap
- Talkin' Cavan
- Ribbon In Your Hair
- Yew Piney Mountain/Dusty Miller
- Wandering
For the latest news on CD releases and live appearances visit the Tim O'Brien website