Here's a lively trio from Deltona, Florida, who are popular regional performers on the Celtic festival circuit. And while they admit their name is humorous, they take their music seriously. From traditional instrumentals like "The Flowers of Edinburgh" to balladic vocals on "Danny Boy," the
Wyndbreakers deliver upbeat and polished performances on their CD,
By Request. They're good at embellishments, too -- adding extra trills and flourishes, yet fluidly, and with skillful pacing. Listen to "The Shearin's No for You" set for an melodious example. There's some really nice lilting whistle work on their version of the traditional favorite "Black Velvet Band," and overall it's one of the better variations available online. This one definitely rates repeat play. "St. Kilda Wedding" is a curious combination with "Drunken Sailor," but they get it to work quite effectively -- it just makes for an odd juxtaposition with the titles. There's some quite distinctive and zestful fiddle playing on this one as well. They do a harmonious bit of a cappella singing on the first verse of "The Scarborough Settler's Lament," too. The problem with "Loch Lomond" combined with "Amazing Grace" is having too much of a good thing. This selection would have been better as two separate performances, rather than having "Amazing Grace" grafted onto the back of the Loch like it is. Still, that's a very minor caveat. In all, this is quite an accomplished debut album, and one that will surely be popular with Celtic music fans both new and long term. ~ Murrday Fisher