Search - Bill Lamey :: Full Circle

Classic Cape Breton Fiddling at its Best

Emmett Miller | Burton, WA | 05/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is homey and classic. Its archival value is beyond doubt. As a source for traditional tunes and technique it is rich and generous. For shere listening pleasure it is enchanting. With Cape Breton fiddling such a "hot item" these days, with the likes of "bad boy" Ashley and "prom queen" Natalie, it is refreshing to listen to lovingly nuanced, unpretentious fiddling with traditional back up, played as it has been for centuries in the main room of the place where the musician lived, intended for the pleasure of the moment with friends and family. Thank you, Rounder, for releasing this and other classic CDs."

Easy to overlook the failings.

Tom Knapp | Lancaster, PA USA | 07/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The quality is by no means up to today's standards. The instruments have a washed-out sound and the tunes aren't 100 percent note-perfect. There are many awkward fade-ins and fade-outs. Does any of that matter? In this case, no.If you want bright, flawless recordings of Cape Breton fiddling, there are plenty of CDs on the market. Full Circle, subtitled "From Cape Breton to Boston and Back: Classic House Sessions of Traditional Cape Breton Music 1956-1977," is a slice of history. Without Lamey's skill and drive, Cape Breton music would have been less likely to spread beyond that tiny island to the rest of the world. And his skill is quite apparent, despite the roughness of these recordings; Lamey could easily match fiddles with many of his modern counterparts.As I listened to this recording, its faults retreated into a back corner of my mind so I could focus on the wonder of Lamey's technique. It's no wonder the next generation of Cape Breton fiddlers claims Lamey as an inspiration."