February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
DAWN OF A NEW CENTURY
Secret Garden
Musical traditions blend in Secret Garden’s latest release. The duo Norwegian keyboardist Rolf Lovland and Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry meld their respective folk traditions to create a soothing and seductive sound. On this, the group’s third release, the duo are receiving much attention as they delve into their inspiration — the crossroads of history and the beginning of the new millennium. On Universal Classic. Details and tour dates on www.secretgarden.no.
THE PLOUGHMAN’S LUNCH
The Ploughman’s Lunch
The latest CD from Pittsburgh-based The Ploughman’s Lunch uses the band’s own name as a title, and if early reviews are anything to go by, listeners will not be left with an empty feeling after they have listened to a set of 15 songs recorded live over two evenings at Mr. Small’s Funhouse in the Steel City. The Ploughman’s Lunch, led by Dublin-born Karl Mullen, have shelved the rock style of three previous releases and now presents a more acoustic sound for a form of music it describes as Celtic Soul. Available on the J-Bird label. Details from www.j-birdrecords.com or call (203)761-9393.
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‘TIS: A MEMOIRAudiobook
Frank McCourt
In 1996, Frank McCourt stunned the publishing world with his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, "Angela’s Ashes." In "’Tis," McCourt picks up the story with his journey to the land of his dreams, America. His new book poignantly captures the emigrant experience, from living in boarding houses to working on the docks to exhortations to "stick with your own kind." At the heart of the book is his complicated relationship with his mother, Angela, who finally escapes the poverty of Ireland and joins her sons in New York. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio. Approx. six hours. $26.