• Fresh EP review by Stephen Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com
• Mist on the Mountain review by Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com

Fresh EP, 2005

Fresh EP is the newest recording by Célé Dé, an energetic band of five young people (all between the ages of 17 and 20). Olivia Valderrama on flute, Robby Valderrama on acoustic guitar, Peter Kistler on percussion, and Amy Kistler and Samuel Davidson on violin make up this talented ensemble that combines traditional Celtic music with jazz and other modern elements for a new and exciting sound. The album art, featuring a picture of a lemon splashing into water, catches the eye just as the music catches the ear.

The first track on the disc, "Awakening," is an attention-grabbing piece introduced by drums and flute and joined by guitar and fiddles. Flute and fiddles alternate between bright, clear melodies and harmonies and are accompanied by flawless guitar and lively percussion, which all combine to awaken the listener.

"Through it all", the only vocal track on the EP, is a worshipful song that speaks of God being with us through all our failings and weaknesses. Excellent lead singing is complemented by back-up vocals and accompanied by guitar and percussion; flute and fiddles harmonize during vocals and provide melody between verses.

"Song of the Selkie" provides a good contrast to the lively mood of the first two tracks, and is a beautiful piece featuring both traditional and jazz elements. The flute introduces a meditative tune accompanied by picking-style guitar and is later joined by fiddles creating a rich harmonic texture. Guitar and violin also both take a turn at the melody.

"Hillenvale" is a catchy track based on unusual alternating rhythmic patterns. As the liner notes warn, "this product may cause an increase in rhythmic foot and hand activity..."

As a live track, I wouldn't have expected the same level of excellence of sound quality on "Second Hand", but I was pleasantly surprised--making this a good time to mention that the sound quality on the entire disc is of the highest degree. "Second Hand" is a jazzy duet between flute and guitar, with an improvisatory-sounding melody and a contemplative mood.

Célé Dé, whose name comes from that of a Celtic monastic order meaning "Servants of God", certainly answer the psalmist's call to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord."

This album is available at Célé Dé's website.

--Stephen Beckmeyer for CelticChristianTunes.com

Mist on the Mountain, 2003

Célé Dé's Mist on the Mountain is a dedicated, energetic, and uplifting Celtic album. The apparent joy of these young players shines through their music. Listening to Célé Dé, one imagines a well-established stage savvy group. People may be surprised to see the liner notes and realize teenagers are responsible for this. However, there seems to be a resurgence of interest in traditional Celtic music among young people all over Canada and the United States, not only in Great Britain.

The liner notes mention that there are two sets of siblings in the group. Though rivalries could erupt it seems that these siblings have instead learned to enjoy playing together. The family connection probably influences their high quality of sound, as they no doubt listen to each other practice, thus absorbing each other's styles.

Credit should also be given to the home school commitment all five of the players have undertaken. Home schoolers have more time to practice and many can use their extra time focusing on special interests. The freedom of the home school lifestyle has surely contributed to Célé Dé's tight synthesis of sound.

In addition to the family connection and the home schooling influence, the support of their local church has evidently motivated Célé Dé.

Careful arranging of the tunes features interesting instrumental contrasts, as in the first cut, "Running Late", where the opening melody on fiddle is joined by the guitar, which yields to the flute. This trade off of melody by the three instruments is very effective. "Road to Lizdonvarna" weaves contrapuntal elements to describe a seamless flow (is there a private joke among the members with the soft giggling at the end?) The lovely, lyrical "Salley Garden" is played with a meditative, soulful tenderness inspiring worship. Throughout the recording transitions between the various instruments are smooth, unforced, natural and inevitable sounding. Excellent percussion provides a steady, varied, and never overpowering foundation. There is a pleasing proportion of fast tunes and lyrical melodies. Recording sound quality is clear, clean and well balanced.

Compared to the strength of their instrumental abilities, the vocal efforts are weak. Because the songs are well known, they can stand alone without vocals. Considering the high caliber of playing by these musicians, it would create a more unified sound if all the tracks were instrumental. Nevertheless, it is heartening to hear these young people unselfconsciously praise the Lord.

Although there are only three overtly Christian songs, the whole effort glorifies God. This CD is an example of the Church: a group of individuals cooperating to serve God, using their gifts to the highest potential to bring joy and encouragement to others. Well done.

This album is available at Célé Dé's website.