Celtic harper Jo Morrison is known for her evocative arrangements of Scottish and Irish music for the harp. Her knowledge and understanding of the Celtic genre puts her in great demand as performer and teacher across the country. Described by music critic Pamela Murray Winters as having "the freshness and grace that first gave Celtic music its power," Jo has the energy and enthusiasm to invigorate any audience.
"The Three Musics" is Jo's first recording, featuring some of her most popular instrumental music. She's been told people find this to be a soothing recording for times of stress, or to help youngsters settle down.
"The Three Musics is a delightful mix of harp tunes that should please any fans of the instrument. Beware, however: It may send you to your bookshelves seeking tales of bards, heroes and gods to benefit from Morrison's nimble, atmospheric performance."
Tom Knapp, Rambles
Celtic harpers of old played the three musics: the music of mirth, the music of sorrow, and the music of sleep. Celtic music is a rich tapestry of these musics, and selections of each are presented here.
"Throughout the entire album, Morrison weaves traditional and more contemporary sounds to create an atmosphere that brings to mind both modern coffeeshops and halls of ancient kings. Trite? No. Beautiful? Yes."
Ellen Rawson, Femmusic
"Being a Scottish Country dancer, it was thrilling to hear Strathspeys played at an appropriate tempo and with a strong "Scot's snap" that can't help but stir the toes and heart.
The Three Musics is a delightful foray into the heart of traditional Celtic music. Sound quality is mellifluous throughout, and engineering/mastering is skillfully wrought. Musical textures, ranging from sparse and haunting to rich complexity, make this album a wonderful addition to your personal music collection."
Jennifer Pratt-Walter, The Folk Harp Journal
"For those who like a straight-forward approach with lots of excellent sets, this CD will definitely appeal."
Heather Yule, Sounding Strings
"The Three Musics is a delightful mix of harp tunes that should please any fans of the instrument. Beware, however: It may send you to your bookshelves seeking tales of bards, heroes and gods to benefit from Morrison's nimble, atmospheric performance."
Tom Knapp, Rambles
"Morrison is at ease with this authentic Celtic music, and lends to it a sense of honest exuberance I find refreshing."
Darin Kelly, The Harp Column
"This recording will be an agreeable addition to the musical collection of harp music aficionados, as well as those listeners who enjoy the soothing sounds of the Celtic harp."
Dirty Linen
* Inverary Castle/East Neuk of Fife (Flute, Harp)
* Fanny Poer (Cello, Hammered Dulcimer, Harp)
* Chiorsdain's Lullaby (Harp)
* Return of the Stone/The Shepherd's Crook/The Dogs (Fiddle, Harp)
* Sleep Soond in da Morning (Double-strung Harp)
* Clergy's Lamentation (Cello, Harp)
* Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque/King of Laois (Harp)
* Mermaid's Song/Lochaber No More (Harp, Shuttle Pipes)
* Bonawe Highlanders/'S Ann An Ile/Willafjord (Harps)
* They Stole My Wife Last Night (Harp, Clarinet)
* Rights of Man (Harp)
* O' A' the Airts (Harp, Viola)
* North Brig' o' Edinburgh/The Goat and the Mare/The Old Wife of the Milldust (Great Highland Bagpipe, Harp)
* Da Slockit Light (Hammered Dulcimer, Harp)
* Kid on the Mountain (Harp)
* The Three Musics (Cello, Flute, Harp)
Total playing time: 64 minutes
A number of other exceptional musicians have also contributed to this album. The guest musicians are:
Cathy Alles, Flute
Paula Glendinning, Great Highland Bagpipe
Fred Lieder, Cello
Walt Michael, Hammered Dulcimer
Wayne Morrison, Shuttle Pipe
Bobby Read, Clarinet
Sue Richards, Celtic Harp
Bonnie Rideout, Fiddle, Viola
Rick Schmidt, Cello
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