Return to Chandlery | J. & E. Riggin Home  "Water Meets Sand" Traditional, Shanty, Original and Celtic Music by Susan Hickey These songs represent many years of playing music to me-- as such, they are only a fraction of the ones we've played, but in the selection of songs I tried to reflect the rhythmic work shanties and forebitters I learned working on the Maine windjammers, and the traditional and Celtic music I had brought with me to the job, and played at fairs for fifteen years $20 Order Now: (Order online below with the
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The Voice of an angel ... with a heart to match! The first time I ever heard Susan sing was in a dimly lit, closed cafe' as she rehearsed, then Susan began to sing ... all emotions except utter and complete rapture vanished. With nary an accompaniment except a beat tapped on the wooden floor, Susan offered forward a combination of high soft angelic notes and raspy sensual tones caressing the lyrics of traditional Celtic ballads and folk song. With soft lilting ballads, emotionally compelling story songs, and lively drinking songs (and an untraditional traditional ending that I won’t give away), this CD is a must have for any Celtic or folk music lover and an almost sure bet for any other music lover. There’s sure to be a time or a mood that you’ll find this CD fitting and enjoyable. Blackbird is possibly one of my favorites, though there are so many great selections on this CD that it’s truly difficult to place one above the other. Each is in some way unique, yet in another connected. Each tells us a story and invites us to enter the story being told. One selection lifts us up and plops us down in a rollicking tavern filled with cheerful hearty drinking fellows … another settles us gently on the deck of a sailing ship at sunset where we can almost smell the salt air and feel the gentle breeze on our cheeks … one sprinkles us with fun and laughter while another strokes us with melancholy sadness and longing. One hears Susan’s music and experiences this CD not only with the ears but also with the heart and soul and mind. While “Water Meets Sand” is officially Susan’s first CD, it’s by no means the work of a new or amateur artist. Susan’s life experience as much as her musical talent and angelic voice provide us with a musical offering to rival any professional or big label product on the market. Thank you, Susan, for sharing "Water Meets Sand" with us! Water Meets Sand The first time I heard her sing was … about 10 years ago. She was given the atrium of a small library as her venue. As I walked into the already started program I heard this sound which made me gasp, and then cry, it was so beautiful. Since getting her CD I've played it for friends of various ages and backgrounds, and their impressions are very similar. She's sold at least a dozen CDs by this alone. I hate to tout something I love so much, because it raises expectations too high. But you really owe it to yourself to hear her. Water Meets Sand More than just a fine collection of traditional tunes (all sung by Susan in a gorgeous voice which moves from clear soprano to sea-shanty shout with ease), this album is a diary of one woman's love affair with music. The liner notes contain photos from Susan's scrapbook and reflections on these songs which have shaped her life. By the end of the first listen, you will feel like you've made a lifelong friend. This CD belongs in the collection of anyone who's ever fallen in love with traditional folk music and who likes to hear it peformed in the traditional style, with passion and skill.
© Schooner J.&E. Riggin, 2004 |
