copyright 2002
http://www.sosyourmom.com
mailto:vince@sosyourmon.com
This review is written by Kevin McCarthy, 1/04
"Kevin and Maxine’s Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews"
http://www.icogitate.com/~celticfolkmusic/index.html
mailto:celticfolkmusic@icogitate.com
So's Your Mom. Sounds like an epithet rivals fling at each other.
In this case, however, it is the name of a band whose members dip toes
into many genres. Celtic is certainly front and center musically,
rubbing shoulders with folk, country and some Appalachia influence. The
singing moves from a cappella to strong Irish accents, and even some
Southern drawl.
A plethora of songwriters are covered, including Ralph McTell, Jean
Ritchie, Andy M. Stewart, Jessie Winchester, Dave Swarbrick and Richard
Thompson.
With a 20-year-plus performance history, So?s Your Mom has been around
the block and elsewhere a few times. In this, their latest release, 18
selections are offered.
The aforementioned McTell's "Hiring Fair" is masterfully sung by Brian
Donnelly as is Jean Ritchie's "The L and N Don't Stop Here
Anymore." The band's instrumental backing on Ritchie's song
actually creates the aural effect of a train heading down the
tracks. The touching "The Reason I Left Mullingar" and
sentimental "Night Ferry" are worthwhile renditions.
In good humor, the liner notes for Swarbrick' and Thompson's "Walk
Awhile" state: "I have no idea what this song means." The
well-worn "Carrickfergus," again sung by Donnelly, is re-christened and
given new life by Vince Brennan's work on mandolin.
"Good Friday," about the political/religious separation of the Irish
nation and Northern Ireland, has an insistent, driving rhythm. Not
being familiar with Richard Thompson's "Shady Lies," the version here
is best described as countrified. The Thompson songbook is again used
in "1952 Vincent Black Lightning." Utilizing the full band,
including drums and mandolin, Donnelly again does an excellent job on
vocals. While listening to this version, this reviewer got to wondering
how Johnny Cash would have sounded on this song. Two instrumentals,
"Staten Island" and "St. Anne's Reel," are infectiously toe-tapping.
So why should anyone be interested in the music of this band?
First and foremost is Brian Donnelly's vocals. He plants the listener
in the tierra firma of each song's geographical setting. The other
bandmates also do their instrumental parts quite well. Plus, the
tasteful choice of material and the number of selections, round out the
trifecta.
So's Your Mom consists of Jack Bartley on vocals, guitar, banjo and
bass; Brian Donnelly on vocals and tin whistle; Susan Bartley on
viola; Vince Brennan on mandolin, dumbek and vocals; Wendy Fuhr on
violin and vocals; drummer and percussionist Cheryl Prashker.
Track List:
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