Search - Bodega :: Bodega

A young, clever and skillful Scottish group whose versatilit

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 06/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 52:55 -- Every serious band wants to create its own unique, tantalizing, personalized sound that is immediately recognizable. One talented group that is well enroute to achieving that goal is Bodega. While only together since early 2005, Bodega exhibits youthful exuberance, joyful optimism, and sheer creative audacity. The five band members met at The National Centre of Excellence for Traditional Music in Plockton, Ross-shire (northwestern Scotland). After forming for a few casual gigs, they realized that something special was in the breezy Scottish air. Bodega subsequently won the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2006.



Produced by Jack Evans, their debut album is an ingeniously designed triumph that particularly showcases the strong instrumental abilities of Gillian Chalmers (pipes, whistle, fiddle), Ross Couper (fiddle), Tia Files (guitar, bass guitar, snare drum, djembe), Norrie MacIver (vocals, accordion, guitar, djembe) and June Naylor (clarsach). Between the five of them, they have all the instrumental bases well covered. Their repertoire includes plenty of traditional tunes, some even sung in Gaelic. Interestingly, one of their own favorite songs is Bob Dylan's "Wagon Wheel," learned from The Old Crow Medicine Show. Norrie MacIver sings with considerable confidence and gusto, and his voice works best with rousing songs like "Crooked Jack" and "Greenland." I was happy to hear some of Norrie's own backing vocals in the mix of the latter, but the heavy effects on Ross' fiddle break takes some getting used to. Norrie's vocal presentation is a bit too assertive for the lovely 6-minute ballad, "Oran Chaluim Sgaire," that could've also been embellished with some vocal harmonies. Of special note is the set of "Compositions" at track 8 that feature contemporary tunes penned by June, Ross and Tia.



Bodega's album debut proves that they are clever and skillful. Their versatility is a clear strength, and this CD will build them a legion of fans who can appreciate both their talent and affability. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR. rossjoe at hotmail dot com))

"

Young Celtic Group worth the wait.

Anne Mcfadden | Pa | 11/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this group at the annual Celtic Festival in Bethlem Pa and fell in love with their music. Had to wait several weeks for the CD from th UK but it was well worth it....Fantastic"