Talitha MacKenzieCountry of origin:Scotland Type of music generally:Updated traditional/world music Status:Most recent release, Indian Summer (2007) See also:Talitha MacKenzie's site Comparisons:Mouth Music; more updated than bands like Capercaillie generally are Covers/own material:Traditional material General comments:Talitha MacKenzie has a lovely, strong voice and her music is wonderfully updated energetic versions of traditional material which still retain their emotional power. This makes a wonderful combination—highly listenable and fun, but with depth and history behind it. (Neile) Recommended first album:Sólas is my favourite of the two 90s albums; it's the most energetic of the two. (Neile) Recordings:
Sólas [Solace]Release info:1994—Shanachie—79084 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Talitha MacKenzie—vocals, keyboard, piano, gong-kogwi, keyboard bass, kalimba Guest artists:Chris Birkett—programming, keyboard, percussion (1, 3, 5, 8); vocals (1, 8); extended vocal technique (5) Produced by:Iain McKinna, Chris Birkett, Iain McKinna & Talitha MacKenzie Comments:I was really disappointed with this the first time through, but the second time I found I really liked it. Without knowing any of the background, I had always assumed that Talitha left Mouth Music because she wanted to return to more traditional music. Obviously I was wrong! This is Talitha doing the exact same sort of stuff she was doing with Mouth Music...very traditional vocals with "modern" music. I can't help but think that she should have stayed with Martin Swan, because his music was better than what's on this album. The situation is bizarre, and though it's none of my business, I'd really like to know why they parted ways. I'd also like to know what Swan thinks of this album, because there are 2 (count 'em!) 2 different versions of "Sienn Oi!" on here. One is actually called "Sienn Oi!" and the other isn't, but it's the same tune. What's weird is that she doesn't credit Martin Swan *anywhere* on this album. Ah well, I'm glad I got it, because I would have wondered what it was like. I have been wondering! And, one can't have too many versions of "Sienn Oi!" no matter whose album it's on, and I actually like this version best of all. Her voice is stronger, she sings faster and the whole song is centered around the vocals in a way that it wasn't in Mouth Music's version. (vickie@enteract.com) Spiorad [Spirit]Release info:1996—Shanachie—78003 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Recommended for fans of updated traditional material Group members:Talitha MacKenzie—vocals, keyboard, accordion, shout, alto recorder, dancing feet, clèrsach, keyboard piano, chimes, flute, keyboard horns, harpsichord Guest artists:Chris Burkett—backing vocals, vocal percussion, laud, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboard bass, keyboard flute, string, marimba, accordion, kalimba, congas, shakers, tambourine, cow bell, drum kit, programmed percussion, triangle, darajuka, keyboard drone, bass, percussion, wail of desperation, pow wow toms, Birksted wombat wobbleboard, thumb percussion, claps, cymbals, floor toms, cabasa, whistling, sheep bleats, keyboard accordion, bell, bowed sitar, African drum Produced by:Chris Burkett Comments:the music is, to my ears, not truly traditional. i certainly agree that it is not very experimental, but give a listen to (just for example) a good Altan album, and then tell me that real celtic trad is relaxing background music... ;) i'd categorize Spiorad as, like, world-lite. pleasant, without doubt, but tending towards the obvious world-beat droney groove thing... i do like some of the caribbean-rim dub-cajun sort of touches—i just wish they'd pushed it all a bit harder... (bossert@suddensound.com) |
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