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Made in Cape Breton
Cottars
Made in Cape Breton
Genres: Folk, International Music, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

When blind blues guitarist Jeff Healey was getting started years ago, pundits accused him of using his sightlessness--and the resultant oddball playing style--as a gimmick. That was lame even by tabloid standards, but Heal...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Cottars
Title: Made in Cape Breton
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: Rego Irish
Release Date: 1/8/2007
Album Type: Import
Genres: Folk, International Music, Pop, Rock
Styles: British & Celtic Folk, Contemporary Folk, Celtic
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 776127176323, 5018081025121

Synopsis

From Amazon.ca
When blind blues guitarist Jeff Healey was getting started years ago, pundits accused him of using his sightlessness--and the resultant oddball playing style--as a gimmick. That was lame even by tabloid standards, but Healey, knowing he was in it for the long haul, shrugged it off and went on to... well, star opposite Patrick Swayze, but never mind that. The point is, Healey looked at the big picture. The Cottars ought to do the same. Comprised of two multi-instrumentalist, singing, stepdancing brother-sister teams, the quartet, under the stewardship of much-loved tenor John McDermott, have produced a fine collection of traditional highlands folk delivered in English and Gaelic. Of course, much of the focus is on the group's youth--they're teens--and their rare familial makeup. But one views the surface at their peril. Music is like breathing in Cape Breton, so it's not surprising that the four play their own instruments and play them very well. In fact, the Cottars' deep appreciation of this music is palpable; you can feel it in the way they hew so close to tradition. And if they haven't quite nailed the haunting, alone-in-the-mist vibe inherent to the best Celtic music, it's nothing a failed driving test and a few broken hearts can't fix by the next record. --Kim Hughes

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CD Reviews

Four Fabulous Musicians
04/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard the Cottars when they performed at the Lotus World Music Festival in Bloomington, Indiana, last fall. I took my teenage daughter because she plays classical violin, but she loves Celtic music. We knew that the performers are all teenagers, but we were surprised by their talent and skill on multiple instruments. They also step dance! And what a fiddler! Roseanne is amazing. But that's not all. All four of the musicians are excellent and engaging. What a performance! We bought this CD at after the concert and my daughter immediately whisked it away. I only heard it once. Then yesterday, I drove her car on a trip and she had "Made in Cape Breton" in the CD player. I listened to it over and over again. The CD is wonderfully varied, alternating vocal selections and instrumentals. I abolutely love Fiona's voice. I agree with one of the reviewers who's favorite pieces is "The Briar and the Rose," which Fiona sings with Kiernan on harmony. It's hauntingly beautiful. My favorite song on the CD is "I Know Who Is Sick." I love the drumming. Buy this CD, and if you ever have a chance to see the Cottars in concert, don't miss the opportunity to hear them live!"
Amazing talent
Minstrel of the Realm | 09/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I learned about The Cottars through word of mouth and, after hearing some short clips on their website, I decided to buy their album. After listening to it, I am blown away by the talent of these kids. Despite their young ages, they are polished performers.Fiona's vocals are charming, Roseanne's fiddling is incredible, and the boys' accompaniment is a beautiful background for the songs. I prefer the slower vocal songs as opposed to the more lively reels. "Scarlet Ribbons" with Fiona MacGillivray and John McDermott is probably my favourite piece on the album, although none of the tracks leave any doubt that there is enormous talent here.I look forward to the opportunity to see The Cottars in person someday. In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy this lovely album."
Awesome.
Avid Reader | UK | 01/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If it had not been for my visit to Cape Breton Island in March I would never have heard of these extremely gifted children
The Briar and the Rose being my favourite was on the radio at the time... I just had to purchase their CD.. Awesome gifted
and haunting"