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Review: "Never Too Early" | |
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Beginning in the early 1990's, the popularity of celtic music began to rise on the international level. It wasn't long before you could go just about anywhere on the planet and have the opportunity to hear celtic music. This also applied to areas where one would think it is not normally heard. One example of this growth was the fact that by the mid 1990's, there were more Irish theme pubs in Germany then actually in Ireland! This rise in popularity of traditional Irish music led to many groups forming in places where celtic music was not usually heard before. The formation of the Swiss celtic group, Heidi, Stef & Bow Triplets is such one group. This quartet made up of Swiss and German members proves that music is a worldwide expression, not limited by international borders. Their debut CD, Never Too Early sounds as "authentically" Irish as anything that this reviewer has heard before.
The group consists of four talented individuals: Heidi Sigfalk, Stef Sigfalk, Joe Eisenburger, and Markus Meier. The four of them show a polish in their recording that can only emerge from having performed together for a long time. Among the four of them, they run the gamut of the traditional Irish instrument repertoire. In that respect, they are very similar to The Chieftains. As well, the vocal ability of the group is extremely proficient, with the singing sounding practically identical to those of direct Irish heritage. Original lyrics in Never Too Early
(except for two songs and the ones accredited as traditional)
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are written by Stef Sigfalk. These lyrics are simple and straightforward, yet display the feeling and power usually given to celtic music. An almost even mix of songs and instrumentals totaling seventeen tracks gives the listener plenty to hear.
Irish standards such as the instrumentals 'King of the Fairies', and 'Courting Rachel' are given an excellent performance. The tin whistle in particular in 'Courting Rachel' is particularly moving. The angelic sound of Heidi Sigfalk is something that more will be heard of, I am sure. The title track, 'Never Too Early' introduces us to her soprano voice. The closing track, an original composition, 'If You Are Home Before Me' is a beautiful rendition with all band members contributing. All of the elements that make up excellent traditional Irish music are here on this CD.
Sometimes, musical jewels show up where you least expect them. For a music group based in Switzerland, Heidi, Stef & Bow Triplets most certainly have that traditional Irish sound down to an art. If you didn't know the fact that they were from Switzerland, you would swear that they were authentic Irish and indeed, in a sense, they are. Just because you don't have a last name starting with Mac or Mc, or a first name of Paddy with a lilt in your voice doesn't mean that you can't do celtic music. Heidi, Stef & Bow Triplets fit the bill and well worth a listen to.
By Daniel W. Sanford, CanEHdian.com 2001
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