• In All Things review by Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com
• Lakefield review by Cory Engel, CelticChristianTunes.com
• Leahy review by Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com

The fancy fiddling of the family Leahy comes to us In All Things, their 2004 release. A more eclectic offering than their previous two CDs (Leahy & Lakefield), they span genres from traditional fiddle to pop, with some other surprise developments.

Their strengths are in their highly ornamented skillful fiddle playing, their perfectly blended vocal harmonies, and their relentless rhythmic drive. Listeners will hear again traditional sets full of impressive runs, pizzicato special effects and a variety of ornaments. As in their first album, Leahy, a few pop-style vocal numbers appear, one of which explores the spiritual aspect of life. "High Places" sets a sacred tone, beginning with what sounds like an Inuit drum. Otherworldly atmospheric vocals and instrumentation express the human yearning for a life of depth and integrity, with the question, "What have we done/where do we go from here?" Despite the angst of the question, they affirm, "And when I feel this peace / I'm trusting in you," and "Reaching for something lost / And from this we rise / To higher places / As in all things / We must go on." The importance of their faith is revealed in this complex and honest admission.

The one weakness in this otherwise highly listenable CD, is the percussion. Sometimes it is uninspired and sounds like a drum machine. This detracts from the high quality of all the other elements. A more natural approach, such as more foot percussion (which is always spot on), and traditional drums such as bodhran or congas vs the drum kit would suit the style. A matter of taste, no doubt.

In All Things is worth buying just for "I Want You to Know". This spare, soulful surprise lives in a higher dimension. With the lovely strathspey duet (fiddle and guitar) opening, one is ushered into a place of expectation. Seamlessly this ancient style segues into the most flexible jazz love song possible. The strathspey returns as a chorus. Sensual, simple, pure: the wedding of the traditional and modern forms is entirely successful.

With such variety, In All Things is the CD that can be "all things to all people."

--Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com

Named after their Ontario hometown, Leahy's second album reflects the talents of a family that has obviously lived and breathed music since an early age.

Leahy has a style all their own. They could reasonably be described as a band that is traditional except in their new compositions, flowery interpretations of traditional tunes, and a modern rhythm section. The drums and electric bass, together with exquisite step dancing, provide driving yet complex rhythms that make Lakefield enormously energetic.

The album's energy is exemplified by "DA", a punchy Celtic rag that will bring a smile to the face. The "Leviathan" reel provides balance with big beats in a minor key that would be at home in a playlist with Wolfstone, Runrig, or Capercaillie.

Lyrically, Lakefield provides deep spiritual ideas that are all too rare in albums not marketed to a Christian audience (and sometimes even absent from those). "Don't Let Me Down" is a plea to God in crisis: "How will I know You've heard my prayer / When I'm alone you will be there / You are my life / You are my love / So don't let me down."

The tender ballad "A Love Never Known" is at the same time a song of love and humility in the face of ultimate sacrifice: "You wiped away my sorrow and my sin / When you gave your blood for me to live / I've always known that there's been someone looking out for me / And now I know your name / Lord from you I came."

Such messages make this a very refreshing and honest album that defies classification. It's not "a Christian album" (it's on the Virgin Music Canada label) and that fact gives its non-preachy messages credibility. On the other hand, it would be insulting to label it as a secular effort, considering its overtly Christian ideas.

Both lyrically and musically, Lakefield is obviously the product of enormous volumes of talent, hard work, and contemplation. And on top of all that, it's simply a blast to listen to.

--Cory Engel, CelticChristianTunes.com

From the high energy opening to the "hauntingly beautiful Irish Lament" at the end, Leahy's self-titled all instrumental CD delivers a variety of traditional fiddling. These talented siblings consistently string together sets that burn with intensity. Many well-known traditional numbers from Scotland and Cape Breton are featured on this 1996 release, such as "The Glasgow Reel", "Kings Reel", "High Road to Linton", and "Devil's Dream". Nevertheless, this is an international album with tunes from Ireland, Quebec, USA, and Hungary as well.

Expert special effects on fiddle are like watching a tightrope acrobat, making one hold one's breath, wondering if gravity can continue to be defied. Fast plucking, furious runs and breakneck accompaniment contrast with the lyricism of the final track "The Coulin." Occasionally the technical tricks threaten to detract from the tune itself, for example in "The Glasgow Reel".

Piano is the predominant accompaniment, with guitar, mandolin, bass and drums. And of course, their show stopping specialty: foot percussion, which works as well on CD as in a live concert. As they say, "step dancing is usually performed to music. We like to think of it as music--an instrument just like the fiddle, piano or drums." Indeed, this is the way it comes across.

For eight family members to perform together as Leahy does, they must have a lighthearted attitude. As they say about "Alabama" the swing number bouncing in between "The Call to Dance" and the "Don Messer Medley," "We just thought we'd have a little fun." Obviously!

The Hungarian dance "Czardas" provides another contrast with classic Eastern European flare. A favorite of audiences for its flamboyance, Leahy's own version is high drama gypsy style.

This is a show-stopping Celtic CD full of exuberance and adept musicianship, but may not appeal to the purists in the traditional music listening audience who would prefer a less overdone interpretation.

--Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com