Album Notes

CD review by Mike Corrigan, The Inlander

When we last visited the Celtic Nots four years ago -- wow, has it been that long? - the band had just completed a live recording at the Shop (known alternately as Untied and Live at the Shop), adding to a discography which then included Deep Midwinter (1999), Not Music ('98) and Rope Tricks ('96). They were also considering their next move -- or, indeed, if a move needed to be made. Well, fate took the helm later that year when founding member James Hunter moved to Osaka, Japan, to study music. But as fans probably already know, the Nots are back together again and are [proud to announce] the release of the group's new CD, Why Not?

During the two years of Hunter's physical absence from the Nots lineup, they utilized the wonders of computer technology to work on new songs, sending digital music files back and forth across the Pacific, so that the three of them could continue to trade and flesh out new ideas.

In addition to studying Japanese bamboo flute (known as shakuhachi) with a master teacher in Osaka, Hunter kept his performance skills sharp by involving himself in Japan's Irish music scene (yes, there is such a thing). Meanwhile Alden and Elliott kept on gigging here, occasionally incorporating a fiddler into the band.

Hunter's return to the States and to the Nots roster comes at a time when the group finds itself not only with a larger repertoire, but with a more diverse sound as well, thanks to an expanded arsenal of traditional folk instruments from around the world. Elliott performs on drums, bodhran, cajon, djembe and tenor sax; Alden on cittern, guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin and er-hu; Hunter on flutes, whistles, pipes, diidgeridoo, trumpet, accordion and the Japanese shakuhachi. Why Not? is a two-CD set, showcasing the two sides of the Celtic Nots: their traditional Celtic side and the more creative, improvisational side that has grown out of their mutual love of a variety of forms. While the group has never claimed to be entirely "traditional" when it comes to anything musical, there is certainly a division of style and theme here that is well-served by this double offering.