Stanley & Grimm is a celebration of traditional music
through old and new interpretations of jigs, reels, and
songs played with lively fiddle, guitar and voice.
Fiddler Nicole Engstrom and Singer/Guitarist Sean
Brennan create a musical journey through a bounty of
fiddle tunes and ballads of all origins as well as modern
tunes and songs they have composed.
Nikki has delighted audiences for over two decades with
her spirited and sensitive playing. Through a broad range of fiddle music from old and new sets of jigs and reels to slow airs, with Sean's warm vocals and rhythmic guitar, Stanley & Grimm capture the essence and energy of great traditional music.
Nikki and Sean have followed up their debut CD with
ANOTHER ROUND
a new collection of tunes and songs that is already a huge hit with their fans. It features a mix of old and new material they have been featuring in concert at festivals and pubs throughout New England.
Awarded Album of the Year 2008 by Celtic Radio
Celtic Radio Review:
"Guitarist & Singer Sean Brennan, and Fiddler Nikki Engstrom, have created something very special with their latest CD "Another Round." This New England duo plays a mix of old and new tunes that is a delight to the ears and addicting to the feet (especial those that dance). We at Celtic Radio carefully listened to each and every track on this CD and we have come to the conclusion that perfection has been made! Every musical measure is a beautiful display of just how much these folks love to play.
Some of our favorite tracks include Pachabel's Frolics - a fast, toe tapping journey into fiddle and guitar euphoria mixed every so often with a few slower classical measures - just exhilarating! Fiddler's Green is sung by Sean's strong and warm vocals showing that this group is not just about Jigs & Reels, but has the depth and talent to shine with many different types of Celtic music.
Mike Ryan's Lament, one of our favorites, is a post Civil War song about the legendary 7th Calvary and Custer's defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Sean brings this song to life about the tragic tale of two brothers who left Ireland for the idea of America, only to meet their end at Vicksburg and Little Big Horn. A song only made possible by the emotional stirring of Nikki's fiddle and Sean's vocals - clearly both playing off each other’s talent making for a wonderful rendition of this ageless song.
So, as you may see - we loved Stanley & Grimm's "Another Round" and would highly recommend this CD to add to your Celtic music collection. The CD has a depth of songs and promises to entertain every type of listener with a mix of Celtic music. 5 Golden Celtic Radio stars for "Another Round." Just perfectly splendid!"
Artist: Stanley & Grimm
Album: Another Round
Sean Brennan & Nikki Engstrom make up this New-England based Celtic band, and their musical talents are ample as soon as you have a listen. Brennan is a guitarist and singer and Engstrom is a fiddler. Their combined sound makes it hard to believe that there are only two musicians here. Many times when there are fewer band members it will either sound empty or like they are trying too hard. Not here. Instead these two concentrate on what they do well and make it shine. There is something to be said for just being true to who you are.
This CD, “Another Round”, offers both traditional sets and original compositions that fit together seamlessly in a lovely arrangement of tracks. I particularly enjoyed track 9, Pachelbel’s Frolics, which is a high-energy romp through the classical composer’s music. Fun–and quite different! Brennan has also written for the band, and “Galway Senorita” is a contribution here that is noteworthy.
Other particularly good tunes include the opener “Little Hawk/Volcanic Jig” and the poignant “Caledonia’s Wail for Neil Gow”. There is a range of music here and any lover of traditional fare will appreciate these songs and the effort that was put into this CD. Quite truthfully it was difficult to pull a few standout tracks from the crowd. Each one here is crafted well and has its own unique appeal.
Catherine L. Tully specializes in writing about the arts, lifestyle and travel. She is the Owner of 4dancers, a blog for those who love dance, and Editor for Freelance-Zone, an award-winning site for freelance writers. Catherine also reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.
Post Published: 03 December 2010
Author: catherinetully
Found in section: CD Reviews
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