Nine Mile Burn

Traditioanal tunes in expert hands Midwest Irish Focus, May 2005 - Pete Maher If you're of a mind for some authentic, expertly performed Celtic tunes for a pleasant listen or a serious examination of the very best acoustic music around, I'd have to say you couldn't go wrong with Kansas City favorites Nine Mile Burn in their self-titled debut CD. After having run this particular collection of completely acoustic tunes (with nary a human voice to be heard throughout the entire 41 minutes of playing time) through my CD player over and over again, I can say without a doubt this is quickly becoming one of my favorite collections of such tunes to come down the pike in a very long time. The tunes are the usual mix of traditional and original instrumentals cleverly woven into intricate tapestries that, I guarantee, will paint a different aural picture for you with each listen. Myself, I quickly fell in love with the light, lyrical Eibhli Gheal Chiuin Chearbhail Air (never mind trying to pronounce it; I've already given up myself) and the delicate picking on Diplodicus/Peter Byrne's Fancy Jig and Miss Casey's/Child of My Heart. But then again, I have always been a sucker for the mandolin. But don't get me wrong, this CD is not only a collection of whispery tunes but mostly robust jigs and reels that almost dare you to keep your foot from tapping. Tunes like Irene's/Brian O'Lynn's Jigs almost seem to invite you out onto an imaginary dance floor while the driving undercurrent in Farrell O'Gara's/Connemara Shuffle Reels can make you downright uncomfortable just sitting still. The musicians responsible for this enjoyable experience are Bill Banks, Rebecca Pringle, and Denise Reid-Shoaff, with guest artists Mike Chamberlin and Lynette Reid-Gregg joining the trio in true "session" style. Let's hope we hear more from this talented group.