A Beautiful Traditional Treasure
author: Craig Sonnenfeld
Lorraine and Bennett Hammond are treasures on the New England and national folk scenes. Bennett is a master acoustic guitarist and Lorraine is a virtuoso dulcimer and harp player. Both are excellent singers. This cd is mostly traditional songs or original songs that sound like they are from the traditional folk canon. All selections, both vocals and instrumentals, are beautifully rendered, and the listener can tell that Lorraine and Bennett love what they do.
Bennett's guitar instrumental 'The Emerald Necklace' is a particular favorite of mine on this cd. He describes this song as 'trying to sound like gleams of sunlight off the water', and I found this to be an extremely accurate description.
Lorraine's vocals are always gorgeous; my favorite being her beautiful adaptation of of Child Ballad #84.
It doesn't get any better than this couple's rendering of traditional folk music.
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Another great CD from the Hammonds!
author: Mary Ellen Wessels
I eagerly opened my new copy of "Jingalo Gypsy" and was not dissapointed. As usual Lorraine's amazing dulcimer playing and Bennet's stunning guitar work are just the tip of the iceberg. The album also showcases harp, banjo and vocals. The song "Little White Rose" is just gorgeous. I always enjoy hearing new (to me) versions of traditional songs so I was especially pleased to see "Her Husband Gypsy Dave".
It's really an enjoyable album (and hey, it even has a really pretty cover!) ;-)
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