Look to the Mountains

It's only appropriate to disclose that frequent CelticChristianTunes.com contributor Heather Beckmyer is a member of the Coast String Fiddlers (CSF). Beyond the obligatory disclaimer, however, the standard of professionalism that Heather has shown in her writing gave me an expectation of the same from Look to the Mountains, the CSF's most recent release. The recording doesn't disappoint.

From British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, the CSF is comprised of the players of 22 fiddles, as well as a broad base of predominantly acoustic instruments: strings (both fretted and not), accordian, organ, piano, highland pipes, a range of percussion, and vocals (one track only).

The CSF are short on years and long on talent. With only an occasional slight wavering of pitch to betray the players' youth, the CSF have hundreds of collective years ahead of them to produce fine music, and they clearly are off to a fine start.

With several tracks featuring most of the fiddle section, this CD provides a unique listening experience. Imagine the effect of a full pipe band, but with strings instead. The full ensemble are included in several original arrangements of traditional times, including "Athol Highlanders", "Tamlin", "Drummond Castle", "The Wind That Shakes The Barley", and "Star of the County Down". Look to the Mountains has a stronger Scottish influence than is often found in recordings from New World Celtic artists.

Favorites include the finely crafted "Jig Set", "Tamlin", "Buchanan Birch", and "Lamentation for McGregor of Roro". The one vocal piece, "Highland Cathedral", with lyrics by Vancouver's Jack Whyte, relies on nature for an object lesson:

Look to the mountains when you turn to pray;
Think how they reach to Heaven every day,
Lifting their snowy heads and shoulders broad;
Offering all they are to the eyes of God.
...
These are cathedrals that no man could build;
Awesome and glorious and wonder-filled;
Each is a masterpiece, each one unique,
Living a prayer, though lacking a voice to speak.

Look to the Mountains can be obtained directly from Heather Beckmyer for $20 (Can), plus postage.