Celtic Dialogue is an appropriate title for this entirely instrumental CD, which finds fiddle player
Laura Risk forming a duo with pianist
Jacqueline Schwab at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, NY in April, 1998. The two enjoy a strong dialogue, and they turn their attention to traditional Celtic songs -- most of which are Scottish songs from the 18th century. Not all of the songs fit that description ("Up Tails A'," for example, was probably written in England in the 16th century), but "The Collier's Daughter," "Johnnie Cope," "A Wife of My Ain" and "Welcome Home, My Dearie" are among the selections that have origins in 18th-century Scotland. Neither
Risk nor Schwab, who co-leads the date with her, are Scottish -- both are American, and both were based in the Boston area when
Celtic Dialogue was recorded. Although not essential, this is a pleasing CD that fans of Celtic music will enjoy. ~ Alex Henderson