Search - Llibre Vermell de Montserrat Anonymous, Uncle Dave Macon, Diego Ortiz :: Patchwork

What fun!

M. Lewis | Galloway, NJ United States | 02/04/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The liner notes on this CD state that Hesperus chose to mix the styles of early and traditional music "for no good reason at all." The result is a mix of medieval-Renaissance music with traditional American music that is truly delightful. The three members of Hesperus play a diverse group of traditional and modern instruments and their choice of instruments on particular songs is as interesting as the choice of the songs that they blended together. The music is crisp and clear showing that the members know their music and their instruments. Dr. Tina Chancey is an expert on early music, while Scott Reiss is a graduate student studying ethnomusicology. All three members are experienced recording artists. The only (minor) drawback to this album is that Bruce Hutton, the solo vocalist, is excellent on some music, but seems a little bland on the blues tunes. Unlike more "authentic" recordings of traditional/historical music, this CD provides insight into the evolution of music and into (perhaps) into the shared motivation of musicians through time. In any case, the sheer joy contained in the music makes this CD a lot of fun!!"