With Randal Bays, fiddle and guitar, and Jim Chapman, mandocello and tin whistle. REVIEWS: 'The purity, strength, and emotional range of that voice will have listeners groping for comparisons to some of the world's great traditional singers, such as Jean Redpath and June Tabor.' John Foyston, The Oregonian 'Wind on the Water' includes eight songs and five intsrumental medley's. These songs show why Nancy Curtin is so highly regarded amongst traditional singers in America. She was raised by an Irish family and steeped in the tradition all her life - and it shows. The fiddle tunes reflect the other side of the Strayaways, with Randal Bays excelling on some lesser-known melodies from Ireland, Nova Scotia, and the USA. He is joined by Kevin Burke for 'The Priest in his Boots/The Legacy', and the duet with Martin Hayes is truly outstanding. This fine album comes strongly recommended for those who like to mix the traditional with the modern, the songs with the tunes, and who delight in great musicianship and the beauty of the human voice. Steve Edge/The Rogue Folk Review Curtin's vocals predominate the disc. She has an alluring, mighty voice that adapts well to the variety of materials chosen: a song in Gaelic, several traditional Irish and Scottish songs, and a few pieces by contemporary... songwriters. Her treatment of each song has a warmth and authenticity that never allows them to sound like 'covers.' The intrumental tracks are likewise fresh. There's a vigor and spirit to the playing. It's a treat to have a recording that features Bays' fiddle playing - although he also plays guitar and keyboards on some pieces. Jim Chapman's mandocello, whistles and backing vocals blend well. This CD is (as my Vermont relatives would say) a real corker! The San Fransisco Gael.
