Album Notes

Keep this Coupon is definitely a keeper! This debut release by Tucson-based Irish traditional band, Round the House is both bright and soulful. Professionally recorded, the cd brings the musicians right into your living room.

This cd includes jigs, reels, hornpipes, mazurkas, and songs. It begins with a with a haunting rendition of Sean Ryans jig, building into fast-paced reels featuring Dave?s driving style. Another highlight is a set of mazurkas that are beautifully paced to capture the lilt of Sharon?s Irish fiddling. Claire?s light and lovely vocals are interspersed with the tunes and they include a tender rendition of ?Teddy O?Neill?, an enchanting song in Irish Gaelic, and the compelling ?Lone Shanakyle?. Dave?s amusing version of ?Jackson and Jane? offers a change of pace to the cd.

Round the House won the Tucson Area Musician?s Award, 1st Place for Traditional/Ethnic Music in 2002 and again in 2003.

Round the House was selected for inclusion on the Artists Roster for the Arizona Commission on the Arts and the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF).

?Keep This Coupon reflects their pure drop approach to Irish music and it is done extremely well. Their instrumentals present a very strong ensemble approach where no single instrument dominates?. are all exceptional musicians that blend extremely well. The vocals by Claire Zucker give the band a style similar to that of the great Irish traditional bands with female vocalists, such as Altan, Dervish and Solas.?
---- George O?Brien, Desert Shamrock, 2001

?All the way from the boggy marshes of Tucson, Arizona comes a CD for all you Celtic junkies? The vocals by Claire Jamieson Zucker are outstanding, with particular beauty brought to ?Bunch of Thyme? and ?Peata Beag?, the latter sung in Gaelic??It can?t be explained; it has to be experienced. This ain?t no blarney."
---- Stew Levett, The Black Rose, 2001


Dave Firestine: mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, bodhran, vocal
Dave plays with a driving rhythm that makes feet start tapping at concerts, dances, sessions, and a multitude of other special occasions. His style is eclectic, incorporating a blend of old time and Irish styles. A multi-instrumentalist, he plays mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, bodhran, and guitar and he sings too!

Sharon Goldwasser: fiddle
Sharon's fiddling brings lift and a genuine Irish approach to Round the House. She adds that touch of ?nyeah? that characterizes the Irish traditional style. Her variations and ornamentation give the tunes movement and her soft drones form a backdrop for the vocal pieces.

Mike Smith, guitar
Mike's approach to the guitar gives him the breadth needed for accompanying a slow ballad, a lively song, or rhythmic backing for dances tunes. Mike chooses interesting chord progressions and picking techniques to give the Irish tunes a unique flavor and he accompanies without overwhelming the melody or the vocalist.

Claire Jamieson Zucker, lead vocal, bodhran
Claire's songs are a highlight, whether she is singing powerfully with the full band or a cappella with a clear liquid touch. Claire sings in both Irish Gaelic and English and her ornamentation and phrasing make her songs personal and moving. Claire?s bodhran accompaniment features the tune-sensitivity needed for Irish melodies.