Notes from Celtistan

This dynamic duo is one to watch...

     

Benjy Wertheimer and Michael Mandrell seem to be a well–matched and imaginative pair. How they manage to blend such diverse cultures is beyond me, but their magical blend of Celtic and Indian music is a fine example of what World Music is all about. I never would have imagined that Celtic, Indian, and Jazz elements could be fused into such a cohesive whole, or to enjoy the album as much as I did. Both Benjy and Michael seem to be very talented at playing a wide variety of instruments! One can't imagine how only two artists can create such a big sound!

While I did enjoy this CD a great deal, there are two tracks that seem to be recorded live, (5) "Bhagavan Dude" and (13) "What was the Question," and their use of voice I found distracting rather than relaxing. Many tracks from this album were perfectly appropriate for therapeutic massage, yoga, and activities. I found the music both relaxing and energizing and have to admit after listening to it for the first time, I was a bit speechless.

Sit with it and share the wonder of the journey to Celtistan, a place that was born in the hearts of Benjy and Michael and now exists in the hearts and minds of their many fans as well.

This dynamic duo is one to watch... I look forward to sampling more of their flavorful musical collaborations.

-- Nancy