Search - Doug Cameron :: Celtic Crossroads: The Uncharted Path

Doug Cameron is a very versatile violinist who is adept at practically every style of music from jazz to classical to pop. On Celtic Crossroads he uses his eclectic influences as the starting point for some imaginative settings for this collection of old Irish tunes, original compositions, and modern songs. Cameron is at his best when he avoids the electronic fusion of tracks like "Dublin Groove" and "Reel Around the Sun (Cameron Hip-Hip Version)" and sticks to a more acoustic sound. Selections like "Drowsie Maggie" and "The Jig Set" show that he has a real flair for lively dance tunes, and would be a welcome visitor to any pub session. And on "Heart of Ireland" he proves he can milk a sentimental melody with the best of them. Although this is supposed to be a Celtic collection it does include versions of some contemporary pop songs, including Sarah Brightman's "Time to Say Goodbye" and the theme song from Titanic, "My Heart Will Go On," which features synthesized whale calls, an odd choice of sound for a song from a movie about a sunken ship. Celtic Crossroads features a mix of styles including Latin, jazz, and pop, but when Cameron just hunkers down and plays it straight, he shows real flashes of Irish spirit. --Michael Simmons