- Artist: Steve Reel
- Rating:
- Release Date: 2003
- Genre: World
Review
There are three main schools of Celtic music: Irish, Scottish, and Breton (that is, music from the island of Brittany). Some traditional Celtic artists choose to adhere to one particular style -- they might exclusively play Irish jigs, reels, and airs and do so in a totally Irish way. Or, you might find a bagpipe player who refuses to play anything that isn't authentically Scottish. And then there are Celtic musicians who like to mix things up -- people like guitarist Steve Reel, whose Celtic Knights draws on a variety of influences. The Florida resident (originally from Virginia) doesn't confine himself to one particular style of Celtic music; in addition to providing a few original pieces, Reel embraces traditional songs from both Ireland ("Mug of Brown Ale" and "Rising of the Moon," aka "The Wearing of the Green") and Scotland ("Bonnie Dundee"). And what he does with these time-tested pieces is hardly the work of a Celtic purist; Reel's approach is quite contemporary, incorporating elements of progressive rock, American folk, and jazz fusion. In fact, Reel has been quoted as saying that Jethro Tull, Yes, and Chick Corea's Return to Forever all influenced him back in the '70s -- and obviously, those influences are continuing to affect him on this 2003 release. "Fiesta de Sol," a Reel original, is perhaps the CD's most Corea-ish offering -- the tune, like some of Corea's work, has a definite Spanish influence (although Reel doesn't forget his Celtic orientation). Celtic Knights won't appeal to Celtic purists, but it's well worth exploring if you're open to a more modern and experimental approach to Celtic music. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi| Celtic Joy (2008 Album by Nóirín Ní Riain) | |
| Celtic Lace (1989 Album by Ceoltoiri) |
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