Search - Ashley MacIsaac :: Hi (TM) How Are You Today? [IMPORT]

I don't know what they keep thinking up in Nova Scotia. Maybe it's all the fish they eat, or the fact that they can go to jail and not collect $200, but they keep putting out odd music. Like Ashley MacIsaac, who desires to reinvent traditional Cape Breton fiddle playing as something for the '90s (which probably explains the kilt, DMs, and plaid shirt--a sort of ethnic Nigel Kennedy). It's a nice idea, but it's been done. In the '60s (Fairport Convention), '70s (Steeleye Span, East of Eden), and '80s (all the people who borrowed from those other bands). MacIsaac adds some in-your-face production and some damn good playing. What he doesn't add is anything particularly new. Yes, you can jig and reel to some of it, and enjoy the crunch of the guitars and drums. And the slow stuff, played more traditionally, is gorgeous. Thing is, where can he go from here? --Chris Nickson