Review: “Celtic Enchantment” by Birch Creek

Artist:  Birch Creek
Album:   Celtic Enchantment

Embark on a journey in sound toward the essence of unsung beauty.  Led by “The Chanter”, an ancient Celtic otherworld is conjured in a rhapsody of melded musicianship deliberate as the “Broken Mist”, eloquent as “Star of the County Down” and heart-wrenching as ”Marble Halls”.

In addition to original works by acoustic guitarist/keyboardist Brian Horton’s mentor Al Petteway, instrumental Celtic aires, jigs and reels are rendered works of art with a contemporary twist.   Multi-talented Horton is a driving force where Sandra Lynn perfects the Appalachian dulcimer, Alex Miglowiec shines on flute & piccolo, Kevin Gallagher showcases bass & mandolin, Linda Umstead graces the Celtic harp and Arlene DeMaris’ fiddle skills are in a word – haunting.

This CD is an open book of storytelling without words.  Sean Fox’s Uilleann pipes forge “The Dragon’s Breath” and “Song of the Water Kelpie” evokes imagery of chivalric Medieval pageantry.  The time tendered “Mary Young & Fair” is an example of the patient mastery prevalent throughout this eclectic collection.  “Haste to the Wedding” quickens the pace while sacrificing not one note of quality.  With 16 song selections, there is quantity as well, and it’s all good.  ”Celtic Enchantment” is only the beginning of great things for Birch Creek.  It should only be a matter of time before there are blockbuster fantasy soundtracks in this band’s future.

Dionne Charlet is a freelance writer based in Greater New Orleans. She is a contributing writer for Where Y’at Magazine and reviews music for Marc Gunn’s Celtic MP3s Music Magazine.  Dionne runs the Cast Aways Open Theatre Troupe and performs with her fellow Cast Aways volunteers at Ren faires, sci-fi cons, charity venues and festivals throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond.  Mrs. Charlet also works as an Outreach Coordinator for the Humane Society of Louisiana.  You can contact Dionne at SHIATARA@AOL.com.