Hours before dawn
For the last two afternoons, I’ve been relistening to a CD I purchased this summer. Around here, there’s lots of music, and little time to actually listen without a dozen other sound sources vying for attention; all part of living in a close-knit social system. This one is a keeper. Each time around on the music box, it sounds better.
The album of the moment is Hours Before Dawn… by Colette Cheverie. This one won’t be easy to find, unless you have a contact on the Island, but she does have a Myspace presence, and it’s only a matter of time before Galaxy (that radio substitute provided by certain cable system) takes notice. They will, because this one belongs on the Celtic channel, and with a little push from the public the playlist people will come through.
First of all, no synthesizers were tortured in the production of the album. Here, we have a wonderful mix of strings, percussion and a voice that brings tingles to the forearms. I’d put her in a class with Altan or Capercaillie. The mix of older folk songs (including the Child collection, which is a definite sign of good bloodlines) and more contemporary work from the likes of Stan Rogers is balanced. The instrumental base involves good Maritime talent, including a couple of people that I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
I had the chance to see Colette in concert last summer, and I hope her schedule for 2009 sees us in the same place at the same time. Meanwhile, when the moment allows, this album is going to get some air time at my place.
