That's What You Get

by Wendy MacIsaac

Overview

This is a fine, fine disc by one of the best of the Cape Breton fiddle players. MaclIsaac comes from a family of fine musicians. Foremost among them is Ashley MacIsaac who is an extremely innovative fiddler in his own right, but here contributes some equally wonderful piano on a number of tracks. She is also joined on this disc by her mother and father who are Set Dancers and whose stepping provides an innovative percussive instrument that sets the pace of these tunes. This stepping also gives the listener a true idea of what these tunes were meant for: dancing at social functions. This is the music of the community "get together;" it is the music of the social occasions of Nova Scotia and it is derived from the music that came over from Scotland and Ireland by these peoples' ancestors. These are harsh and cold climates, and the people tend to work hard, enduring isolation from their neighbors for stretches of time. So whenever an occasion arose, there was no better excuse to get together, dance, catch up on the comings and goings, and just celebrate life. You can feel the climate, the yearnings, and the community in this music. It is a testimonial to life, and all the joys and sorrows that life holds. MacIsaac has put together a collection of musicians that have grown up in the tradition of this sound. They have been through the winters, the deaths, and the births that give this music its life. They know what it means and they play with a hearty vigor that invigorates the music. The disc is beautifully paced, spacing jigs and waltzes and reels, and it's very well put together with a sound that reflects the heart that goes into the songs. It is hard to get but well-worth the trouble. ~ Bob Gottlieb

Product Details

Release Date:	05/22/2007
Label:	Lonely Tree / Trade Root Music
UPC:	0775020528727
Rank:	153088

Tracks

1. Lady Madalina: Lady Madalina Sinclair's Birthday/Miss Anne MacNamara/Ye: Lady Madalina Sinclair's Birthday
2. Jigs in G and D: The Boys of the Town/The Jumpy Jig/The Man in the Moon: The Boys of the Town
3. Mrs. Ferguson: Mrs. Ferguson of Reith March/Sir Harry's Welcome Home/Th: Mrs. Ferguson of Reith March
4. Dr. Shaw: Royal Scots Polka/Dr. Shaw/Fr. John Angus Rankin's/Traditiona: Royal Scots Polka/Dr. Shaw
5. Short Grass: Short Grass/Shins Around the Fireside/Mrs. Campbell: Short Grass
6. Willie and Wendy: The Tweeddale Club/Welcome to Your Feet Again/Glengar: The Tweeddale Club
7. The Studio Square Set: Dismissal Reel/West Mabou Reel/Paddy on the Turn Pik: Dismissal Reel
8. Bell Piano: The Bell Piano/Traditional Strathspey/Traditional Strathspe: The Bell Piano
9. Jigs in the Key of G: Traditional Jig/The Black Hoe/The Maid on the Gre: Traditional Jig
10. A Dandy Group by Willie: Mr. Thom/The Braes of Tullymet/The Marquis of Hu: Mr. Thorn
11. A Minor Jigs: MacDonald of the Isles/Mom's Jig/Rakes of Kildare/Judique J: MacDonald of the Isles
12. Two Polkas and a Reel: A Traditional Polka/Polka #3/Princess Royal: A Traditional Polka

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Wendy MacIsaac   Primary Artist,Piano,Fiddle
Tom Roach   Djembe,Shaker,Congas
Ashely Macisaac   Piano
Willie Kennedy   Fiddle
Ashley MacIsaac   Piano
Gordie Sampson   Guitar,Guitar (Electric)
Jamie Gatti   Standup Bass
Thom Roach   Djembe,Congas,Cabasa
Dave MacIsaac   Guitar

Technical Credits

Willie Kennedy   Arranger
Jerry Holland   Composer
Wendy MacIsaac   Arranger,Producer
Gordie Sampson   Producer,Arranger
Traditional   Composer
Dan R. MacDonald   Composer
Danny R.   Composer
J. Scott Skinner   Composer