by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Sean McCabe and Cady Finlayson
Album: Take Two
Year produced: 2000

With the pairing of Cady Finlayson on the fiddle and Sean McCabe's smooth voice--how can you go wrong? This 16-track CD is packed with expert playing, traditional sounding tracks and a little experimentation here and there to boot. In other words, there is a little something for everyone.

If you are a traditionalist, waste no time--go for track four--"Rising of the Moon." It gives you that good, familiar feeling, like relatives are in the living room singing old songs. For those who get their toes tapping with Irish Step Dance music, there is a jig, a reel and a hornpipe in store as well.

If you are in need of a pick-me-up, try track nine--"Nobody Wants to Know You When You're Broke." It will pretty much guarantee a smile on a rough day. Most of the songs have the upbeat style of Irish music--even when they speak of sadness. The first track, "Northerners" which talks about the difficulties in Ireland and leaving the country is still a terrific listen and doesn't leave you feeling glum.

Cady Finlayson's skill is obvious, and the CD does highlight it. The fiddle playing in track 12 struck that lovely yearning that only truly skilled players can make you feel. It will leave you with a lump in your throat. At times she is in a supporting role to McCabe's voice, but many of the tracks let her shine as well.

Track 15, "Take These Blues Away" is the prayer of a widow, and does a nice job of marrying the two artists together in sound. It is also McCabe's strongest "storytelling" style-song. The entire CD does a good job of mixing it up so that you are never sure what to expect next, although you are assured an interesting ride, regardless. All in all this mixture of contemporary Celtic folk and traditional-style music works.



   Buy the Album: Take Two

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Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in the arts. She has written for Dance Teacher Magazine, Classical Singer and Dance Spirit among others, and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her at ctully@freelance-zone.com.