Mondland

This is a continuation of Ballycotton's 2001 release A la Cut, whereby multi-world influences seep into the acoustic folk of this one-time traditional Celtic group. Here, strains of Eastern, Austrian, as well as Celtic styles flavor the music. In an unexpected twist, Ballycotton even added vocal adornments to four tracks — "JoEh," "The Flood," "Valhalla," and "Bettelwalzer" — but they are still essentially an all-instrumental ensemble as those vocal embellishments are more chant-like than lyrical. The real strength of this group is its exceptional ability on stringed instruments and the interaction with one another. Violinist Christina Gaismeier possesses a more refined approach, while fiddler Jock Brocks complements her nicely with a more traditional style of playing. Brocks also contributes mandolin and banjo, and charter member Alex König provides the lion's share of picking on guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, and banjo. Andy Neumeister plays bass, as well as acoustic guitar. Collectively, the group exhibits a wonderful symbiosis. No member demands center stage; rather, Ballycotton thrives on the input, subtle or otherwise, of every member.