Search - Donal Hinely :: Glass Stories

Infused by the unique sound of the glass harmonica, Glass Stories (2004) presents a hypnotic mixture of traditional and original music accompanied by cello and guitar. Glass Stories is Texas singer/songwriter Donal Hinely's third CD with Nashville producer and cellist David Henry who has worked with a wide range of artists including Cowboy Junkies, Josh Rouse, Vienna Teng, and Guster. The music Hinely coaxes from his home-made instrument--often called the glass harmonica--is lilting and ethereal. The haunting tones are produced by rubbing wet fingers across the rims of water-tuned wine glasses and brandy snifters and bring to mind the sound of a violin, a flute, an organ, or even at times a steel drum. On this offering, the glasses and cello blend to breathe new life to such classics as "Loch Lomond", "Ashokan Farewell", "Lord of the Dance", "The Parting Glass, " and the Beatles favorite "Strawberry Fields Forever." There are also a good number of original pieces including the standout title track and the Henry penned "Coffee Drinker's Lullaby." The marriage of the glasses with Henry's stellar cello seems a natural one with each instrument occupying its own harmonic range yet complimenting each other perfectly. The overall mood is quiet and reflective, though Hinely's "The Shakes" and "Not in Kansas Anymore" and Henry's aforementioned "Lullaby" are playful without breaking the spell.