Riverdance-Freestyle
Melanie S Buckmaster | Wallkill, NY United States | 09/07/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The arrangements on this CD of the Riverdance music we've come to love are refreshing and improvisational.Some arrangements are remarkable similar, such as the "Russian Dervish". It has the same foot-tapping beat and full-bodied musical sound. However, "Riverdance" has a unique sound due to its instrumentation. The piano in "Lift the Wings" is truly inspiring.When I was considering this CD, I wondered what instrument(s) it would feature. The harmonica, guitar, saxophone, piano, fiddle, gadulka, bodran and whistles make for an authentic Celtic experience. In one or two of the songs, the harmonica dominates, making it unusual to my ear at least.The orchestra is composed of some of the original members of the Riverdance orchestra. Apparently they would "jam" after the performances, finding enjoyment in breaking free from the exact score required to accompany the dancers.Listening to this CD made me wish I could watch the orchestra performing the music. So much expression comes through, it is almost like being right there with them."