Search - Battlefield Band :: Leaving Friday Harbor

Neil C. Womelduff: Iron Breugh Band Kansas City Missouri

galford430@aol.com | Kansas City, Missouri | 03/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Leaving Friday Harbor" is an excellent example of Scottish Celtic Music today. It really captures the spirit of the group's live performances. The Four current members seem to have a real chemistry with each other which comes out in "Leaving Friday Harbor" and in their live performances. They are probably the best combination since the group was formed over thirty years ago which really says a lot considering the amount of world class musicians that the band has seen come and go. I also would consider them one of the best Celtic Bands in existance. In one of their very memorable live performances, I was impressed to see the members passing they're instruments back and forth to one-another on stage. One of the highlights of the evening was when Mike Katz pulled a penny whistle from Steele's pocket while he was playing. The same laid-back attitude comes through in "Leaving Friday Harbor" which makes it even more spectacular. It was also amusing when they started a set, screwed up and started it over again with a very professional, showman like attitude. They are truly talented people and you won't be disappointed in "Leaving Friday Harbor". If you enjoy this album you will also enjoy the other titles from The Battlefield Band, The Tannahill Weavers, Silly Wizard and The Chieftains."

A great album of great music by a great band

Sarah E. Wachter | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | 12/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"_Leaving Friday Harbor_is a wonderful album of traditional music. I must have played it hundreds of times since I bought it at a Batty concert a few months ago. The second album of the new lineup (Alan Reid, Davy Steele, Mike Katz, and John McCusker) is every bit what I had hoped. Alan's keyboard lends fire to the tunes and gives them the distinctive Batty feel, while his songwriting is beautifully wistful for "The Pleasure Will Be Mine"; Davy's songwriting is heartfelt in "The Last Trip Home" and pure fun in "One More Chorus"; John's fiddle is achingly beautiful in "Leaving Friday Harbor" and sparkles throughout the jig and reel sets, while his tunes are a pleasure; and Mike's pipes give the band fire throughout the album, while his original tunes are great fun. This is a wonderful mix of everything the Battys can do- beautiful ballads, as in "The Last Trip Home", "The Pleasure Will Be Mine", and "Logie O'Buchan"; great sing-alongs, as in "The Straw Man" and "One More Chorus" (I dare you to try to keep from joining in); wistful airs- "Leaving Friday Harbor" is a gem, and "Something for Jamie" is equally beautiful; and rollicking dance tunes to get you up and on your feet-the Clan Coco set is a lark, as is the Sister's Reel set (which includes a great tune by Mike entitled "Jesse 'The Body' Ventura's Reel"), while "It's Nice to Be Nice" and "The 24th Guards Brigade at Anzio" start off slow and sweet, then pick up tempo until your stereo is rocking. This album is not to be missed. It is a great introduction to Battlefield Band, a great addition to any traditional music collection, and a great album in its own right. Thanks to the band for all their work (and play, I'm sure). May they continue to bring the joy of their music to the world. Right on, lads."

Just Fantastic

John Cross | Ann Arbor, MI | 08/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw the Battlefield Band in Michigan right around the time LFH was released and it was one of the most fantastic shows I ever seen. If you get a chance to see them drop everything you are doing and GO!!!!! you will remember the experience forever.
Not much to say about the album because it is just awesome. To have such great musicians playing on a record with no friction or highlighting of just one person is a real treat.
If you know the BB and are thinking about buying this album then just do it dummy! If you are new to the BB and are considering buying it I can only recommend it totally. If you like the thought of folk music, braveheart, and your typical renassiance/medieval festival rolled into one then this is for you!"