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St. John’s, Newfoundland based band The Freels release their Debut CD
This self-titled album features a wide variety of instrumental music and songs drawn from the Newfoundland traditional music repertoire. Besides paying homage to legendary Newfoundland west coast fiddlers Rufus Guinchard and Emile Benoit by including a set of tunes from each, they also include a set from Port Kirwan accordion player Belle Fennelly. The CD is nicely rounded out by the inclusion of songs from songwriters as diverse as Ron Hynes, Pat Byrne and Paul Simon.
The band demonstrates a musical maturity that belies the youth of its members. The five musicians range in age from 18-28, but they have all been playing for many years. The pure and emotive singing voice of Maria Peddle is well supported by clever and sophisticated arrangements that complement virtuoso instrumental playing on the jigs and reels.
The band is comprised of Fergus Brown-O’Byrne on accordion and concertina, Anthony Chafe on guitar, accordion and bodhrán, Andrew Fitzgerald on fiddle and vocals, , Danny Mills on flute, whistle, guitar and vocals; and Maria Peddle on fiddle and vocals.
The Freels was recorded in St. John’s at The Sound Solution, with mixing and mastering by Billy Sutton and Jason Whelan. It is now available at local retail outlets, as well as online at www.singsonginc.ca
For more information about the band check out their facebook page.
www.facebook.com/TheFreels
I’ve really been enjoying this album -- at the moment it’s close to being the only non-Christmas music I’m listening to. Nice selection of tunes well-played and lovely songs.
The break strain in “Cecilia” (yes, the Paul Simon song) is “Jean’s Reel”. I’m not sure what the waltz included with the song “St. John’s Waltz” is.
It’s the Bluemont Waltz made popular here by Jackie Daly & Matt Cranitch. It’s a tune from your country Sol.
Thanks, Gerry! Hmmm, http://www.bluemontva.org/historyarticlebluemontwaltz.html