Search - Bonnie Rideout :: Soft May Morn

Great old Scottish fiddling but...

rtucker62 | Sterling, VA USA | 03/05/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"it's too bad the piano accompaniment is so choppy. My apologies to Bonnie's Mom who played the piano on this CD. It is one of Bonnie's earlier recordings so I will excuse her for not having the connections to get a professional piano player into the studio. Otherwise, I do love this CD. I also have the sheetmusic (Mel Bay) that is in full score with piano, violin solo, and the original manuscript versions of these tunes that Bonnie dug up while staying in a castle on the Isle of Skye. As a fourth year violin/fiddle student I am learning a great many tunes as a result of having the CD and book. If you want to feel like you're sitting in Scotland hundreds of years ago then this is the CD you want."

This CD speaks to the heart

Susan Meehan | Washington, DC USA | 05/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The heart of Scottish fiddle music is to be found in the lament and slow air = pieces that fold loss and exile into every shivering note. This sorrow is displayed as beautifully as possible in the lush, poignant pieces showcased by Bonnie Rideout in this album. While there are a few upbeat toe-tappers to be found here, the most important pieces here explore the wounded heart. They are so beautiful in tone and presentation that it is hard to bear the ending of a piece, were it not for the joy awaiting in the next! The tunes are jewels, laid out for us in utter simplicity. The accompanying piano never intrudes - it stays in the background, pointing up the melodies being explored.



In this splendid album, Rideout pursues the same high level of tune and execution that makes Alasdair Fraser a joy to listen to. Rideout shows a deep understanding of Scottish soul in this first-rate album. If a slow air or lament speak to you, (and I hope they do!) come no further - you are home."