Waiting for Inspiration

From the opening set of traditional tunes, you know this is happy relaxing-with-friends-listening music. Well crafted, unhurried, a smooth double-cappuccino atmosphere settles upon the listener (check out Dan's web site for sources of Dan's inspiration). The intimate sound quality adds to the friendly feeling that the players are in your own living room.

Tasteful arrangements of old favorites are evenly interspersed with original compositions in traditional style. Acoustic finger-style guitar (Dan Carollo) and fiddle (Ted Yuen), the predominant instruments are expertly played and well balanced in their interchanging roles as lead and backup. Mandolin, bodhran, bass, keyboards, and djembe fill out the tunes.

In the well-known category, particularly agreeable is the instrumental version of "Down in the Valley to Pray," one of several reflective pieces, including "Ashokan Farewell" (two versions) and "Amazing Grace", sensitively interpreted with lovely chord choices. A truly joyful rendition of "Soldier's Joy" leads into a rousing "The Wind That Shakes the Barley," with a creative bodhran ending. Sunshine infuses "John Ryan's Polka" as well.

The most successful of the original compositions are "Thinking Time", "Waking Up / Voice of the Irish" by Dan Carollo and "New Wine Reel" by Ted Yuen, reminiscent of John Doan's compositions. These tunes epitomize his "Celtograss" style, inspired by Irish Celtic and American Bluegrass music.

The weakest tracks are the vocal number, "Nothing I Desire," more in a pop style, not matching the rest of the recording, and "Instrument of Peace," which both lack melodic direction.

Appropriate cover photo of the artist leaning against a weathered old barn, his guitar at his side, suggests the pleasant down-home feeling this album conveys. There are no liner notes; rather one is directed to the website for stories behind the songs.

Listening to Waiting for Inspiration puts one in an untroubled, reflective mood, ready for personal inspiration.