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Nutmeg & Ginger
IONA's Celtic Winter Solstice celebration. Tunes and carols from
Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia are
woven together vocally and instrumentally. With guest performances by U.S.
National Scottish Fiddle Champion, Elke Baker, on two of the tracks. Barbara
Ryan, Bernard Argent, and Diana McFadden. 49 minutes. Released in 1996. Reissued in Dec 2012.
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![Album cover](graphics/nutcover.jpg) |
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"The arrangements are elegant and spare...and the three part
harmonies pretty and
precise...In short this is an album for those interested in a
traditional variation on
Yuletide."
- Mark Jenkins, The Washington Post. Read the whole review
"...one of the most delightful seasonal recordings in recent
memory."
- Dave Sleger, CelticMusic.Com (Read the whole review)
What a perfect Chrismas present!
See also the Liner notes and Lyrics
Reviews:
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Nutmeg & Ginger was reviewed by Mark Jenkins in
the Washington Post
Friday, November 15 1996; Page N13
under the title:
Iona's Traditional Twist on Carols
The review is © Copyright 1996 The Washington Post
Company. Here are some excerpts:
...NAMED AFTER the spices in Wassail, the hot ale traditionally drunk in
Britain during winter holidays, Iona's "Nutmeg & Ginger" collects "music of the winter
season" from the seven Celtic "nations" recognized by the Celtic League:
Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Galicia. That sounds exotic,
but it's just a cover for what "Nutmeg & Ginger" really is: an album of medleys
of Christmas carols...
...This Northern Virginia trio's music is not as banal as the seasonal
Muzak that will soon pervade the local malls. The arrangements are elegant and spare -- guitar,
mandolin and flute predominate -- and the three-part harmonies are pretty and precise.
These qualities make such tunes as " 'Ma Grun War 'N Gelynen" (that's Cornish) and "Cwrw Da"
(Welsh for "good beer") a treat. Still, some of the melodies (if not the lyrics) are
overly familiar. In short, this is an album for those interested in a traditional variation on
Yuletide tradition, but not for those who hope never to hear another "fa-la-la-la" so
long as they live...
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CelticMusic.Com
December 1997 Issue
Music Reviews
By Dave Sleger
While seasonal recordings of the Celtic variety are in abundance,
the first half of this column will attempt to emphasize a few of the
more noteworthy ones. Yes, traditional Christmas carols are among the
most beautiful and heartfelt pieces ever written. Unfortunately by the
beginning of December many of the better-known songs have already
fallen victim to overkill and by the week of the 25th who wants to hear
them anymore? Thankfully many artists are discovering an (until
recently) untapped treasury of Christmas carols and songs.
IONA: NUTMEG & GINGER - Barnaby
Productions (BP4651CD)
[Hailing from Virginia this group should not be confused with the UK
group bearing the same name.]
An equal opportunity ensemble, Iona routinely borrows material from
each of the seven Celtic nations. As with their previous album HOLDING
OUR OWN (BP9811CD) lead vocalist (and guitarist) Barbara Ryan sings
those songs in the appropriate native tongue. While some artists might
defensively claim that selections like "J'Ai Vu Le Loup" or "Can Y Fari
Lwyd" are best interpreted as instrumentals, Ryan is not dissuaded by
the incredibly daunting Welsh language or the complex French nuances.
She tackles those as well as Gaelic and Cornish songs with seeming ease
and respect to each language. Her powerful and versatile voice is
perhaps unequalled in the traditional Celtic arena. Completing the trio
is Bernard Argent on flute, whistles and bouncy vocal harmonies and
Diana McFadden on cello, cittern and mandolin. Their combined efforts
yield a thoroughly authentic, well-rounded and full-sounding three
piece. The challenging and unconventional selections on NUTMEG &
GINGER coupled with their impeccable delivery make this one of the most
delightful seasonal recordings in recent memory.
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