Eavesdropping

Album Review

An accomplished musician in her own right, violinist Anne Lindsay has created an eclectic and inspiring mix of "fiddle" music as well as global violin music. Whether it's the salsa or Latin styles on the opening teaser of "Latin Stroller" or the bluegrass/ragtime overtones on "Lookout," she is perfectly at ease capturing the essence of each sound and genre effortlessly. "Annie McClelland's Lament/She Kicks Up Her Heels" is the best track of the album by far, swaying from classical to Irish without a trace of forcing the issue. "For the Children" settles the album down nicely into a slower, almost Irish music area while "Smooth Arm" is more of a raging Cajun tune à la Doug Kershaw. The title track is one of the more adventurous as the piano and violin move along into a jazz-inspired Irish lament. But it's Lindsay's ability to transform from style to style that is the highlight of the album, if not each individual track. Only on the brief "Rita" does the energy dissipate, but only briefly, moving into an almost Muzak feeling. "Blues Not" is also an interesting experiment, not having the desired result, however. But "Ode to a Coffee Table" steers the album back on track, resembling an instrumental John Mellencamp tune in some areas. This is a very solid album from a qualified "freelance musician."