Search - John Mccutcheon :: Step By Step

Scintillating! Hammered dulcimer heaven ...

Brianna Neal | USA | 11/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If one hammered dulcimer is good, two, three or four are better! At least, they are when combined in such intriguing and evocative arrangements as McCutcheon and friends have come up with for this recording. Hammered dulcimer players John McCutcheon, Paul Reisler, Malcolm Dalglish, Paul Van Arsdale and Walt Michael join forces, accompanied by the modern folk groups Trapezoid and Metamora, for some truly wonderful performances. The sparkling sound of one dulcimer becomes a rich and textured listening experience when additional dulcimers are added to the mix. The depth and artfulness of the compositions, however, keep this recording from becoming merely a demonstration of the unusual. This is great music--compelling, mysterious, jazzy and inspiring. I especially like both the arrangement and the words of the traditional song "Step by Step" (Step by step, the longest march can be won, can be won / Many stones can form an arch, singly done, singly done / And by union, what we will...can be accomplished still / Drops of water turn a mill, singly done, singly done). Good tune and good advice; works every time. Well, almost every time, anyway. I acquired this CD out of mere curiosity, but I listen now for sheer pleasure. You will too! If you enjoy the music on "Step by Step", you may also like the recording "Moon Run" by Paul Reisler's group Trapezoid and "The Strayaway Child Trilogy" by Jerry Read Smith."