Andrea Beaton's newest release, Branches, was officially released last weekend in Judique. I had received it a month or so ago and liked it right from the start.
But what's not to like? She is currently one of the hottest fiddlers on the market, much in demand for dances and concerts, festivals and workshops, both home and away. Her touring schedule takes her to venues in the United States and elsewhere in Canada on a regular basis. She has also played and taught overseas as well, and is a particular favourite on the local scene all year around.
Andrea has a drive and lift to her music that is hard to match, and her timing for dancing is superb. As you might expect, Branches comes out of the starting gate with a bang, leading off with King Arthur's Reel. It's one of two dozen of her compositions spread across fifteen cuts and more then an hour of music.
You expect her usual vim and energy, and you're not disappointed. She works her way through some powerful combinations, adding something slow and easy from time to time, just to make sure we don't take her for granted. One particularly beautiful cut is a lovely waltz she wrote for her sister's wedding called Allison and Craig's Big Day.
One cut is a particularly big surprise. It's the vocal rendition of Hector, a dark and brooding song done to the tune of Hector the Hero with the newest words by Prince Edward Island singer / songwriter Patricia Murray. Andrea's vocal work is excellent, a high point on the CD for me. She claims that she is far too shy to sing in public but this is something that she should do more of in the future.
Old tune, new tunes, it doesn't seem to matter, you are also getting creative arrangements helped along by wonderful backup from pianist Tracey Dares, with Rémi Arsenault on guitar and Jamie Gatti adding bass on one cut. All in all, Branches is a wonderful CD, something to look for and something to enjoy when you get your hands on it.
Until next time,
Dan
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