JAMIE LAVAL AND ASHLEY BRODER: Zephyr in the Confetti Factory

Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder

Zephyr in the Confetti Factory

© 2007 Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder (837101305686)

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Traditional Irish, Scottish, and other up-tempo Celtic fiddle tunes with a contemporary spin and an innovative arrangement style.

notes

After years of being immersed in traditional music of Scotland, Ireland, and Bluegrass music, we decided to head into inventive territory with this album and stretch the limits of what a pair of instruments (violin and mandolin, or violin and 'cello) could produce.

We found that arranging material with such sparse instrumentation invited us to intertwine our melodic lines, create unusual harmonic tensions, and even get off-the-wall with our improvisations, while still paying homage to the dance tradition of the British Isles.

The source melodies are primarily famous session tunes from Scotland, Ireland, Brittany (France), Galecia (Spain), and Appalachia. We're pleased with the way we were able to render this material with our own personality--influenced by hints of classical refinement and ethnic music from around the world.

reviews

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  • This is brilliance
    author: Cedar Bough Saeji

    I cannot stop listening to this CD, particularly "Old Man Elzic". Since I first saw Jamie and Ashley perform with Stanley Greenthal I've been meaning to buy their CD, I'm so thankful I finally did-- this CD is fresh, fun and full of brilliant arrangments. What a treat for my ears!

  • Zephyr In A Confetti Factory
    author: Judy Johnson

    FANTASTIC CD! My husband and I fell in love with their music last summer when they played at Swannanoa Gathering. Their CD is a true reflection of their talent and spirit. We love them and the music they make!

  • absolutely fantastic
    author: melanie

    We saw these two in a little out of the way concert. I was entralled by them. The way they play with eachother and off eachother is a treat to see. I can still see them playing when I listen to the cd. If you like celtic or violin you will enjoy this music.

  • Irresistible whimsy and wistfulness- good on ya'!!
    author: Julie Johnson, New Zealand

    Listening to this album, I feel like a kid at the start of summer vacation: the music evokes the giddy promise of long, warm, lazy days of picking wild blackberries, digging for clams, building a secret lean'to under the canopy of a maple tree in full bloom. Ashley and Jamie bring such joy and energy to the music. You hear the unequivocal love they have for these tunes in their spirited playing and crisp arrangments, which are both carefree and carefully crafted. Particular favourites are the whimsies of Track 1 "Paddy, Jenny and the Boys" (get up and DANCE) and Track 7 "The Cuckoo and the Blackberry" and the wistfulness and yearning of Track 8 "Loudeac Round Dances." Gorgeous, all of it. Get thee soon to Aotearoa!!

  • Wow!
    author: David Perasso

    Its a good thing CDs don't have grooves or they would be worn out already. This is a CD to listen to over and over again. I get more from it each time.

  • You can dance too.
    author: Ellen Wall

    The CD is fun to listen to, a great variety of music and styles, all superbly played by outstanding professional musicians. But it is also dance music. I've had the pleasure of hearing Broder and Laval play at a contra dance. Their enthusiasm for the music infuses this album.

  • Excellent display of expressive musicianship.
    author: Cameron McLeod

    This album truly displays what exceptionally talented musicians both Jamie and Ashley are, while simultaneously depicting scenes of traditional dance and heartfelt emotion. An undoubtedly exceptional work of music.

  • upbeat and refreshing
    author: Esther Centers

    These fun-loving, high-spirited tunes make frown lines disappear. With the dynamite chemistry between Jamie and Ashley (well, between Jamie and anyone!) there's sure to be World Peace sooner rather than later.

  • This is rich and inviting music
    author: Terry South

    I saw Jamie and Ashley in an a small, intimate concert in California and it was one of the best live performances of any type I've seen. The music is original and unusual, the chemistry between the two is captivating and the performances were virtuoso...

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