REVIEW OF "THE GATHERING STORM"
from the CRAIC NEWSLETTER Volume 1, Issue 2
Atlantic Shore THE GATHERING STORM
Moon & Stars Music MS465972
by Ron Young
Back in the 1980s when men were men, and sheep were nervous, a band called Reel to Reel was at the forefront of traditional Celtic music in the southern California area. Unfortunately when founder members, Ron and Robert Lunceford left the region, the band broke up, leaving a large void to be filled.
Robert Lunceford now has a new band, based in Sebastopol, and The Gathering Storm is their first CD. Robert's fine accordion playing anchors the sound, and is joined by Dan Engle on fiddle, mandolin, blarge and vocals, Paul Donnelly with a unique style of bodhran playing, plus percussion and vocals, and Ray Frank on lead vocals, guitar and harmonica.
The Gathering Storm is a satisfying first album, and should expose the band to a whole host of new fans. Many of the tracks contain numerous tunes, my favorite being "Down by the Glenside" which is followed by six great instrumental pieces. Atlantic Shore has the potential to become a great Celtic band.
P.O.Box 3150
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Music, Celtic languages, gatherings, workshops, and concert information. (Southern California)
LOCAL BAND SPOTLIGHT
reviewed by CLUBS & PUBS MAGAZINE vol.#5 issue#6
Try, just try, to keep your feet still when Atlantic Shore gets wound up. I double dare you! This is Celtic music with fire and depth. Based in Sebastopol, California, they have a nearly fanatic following in Sonoma County where at least one couple became an item while dancing to their joyous sounds.
Atlantic Shore is: Paul Donnelly on bodhran (Irish goat skin drum) and vocals, Robert Lunceford on accordion and vocals, Ray Frank on lead vocals and guitar, and Dan Engle on fiddle, tenor banjo, mandolin, blarge, and vocals. Atlantic Shore presents a mix of Irish, Scottish, and other Celtic musics, guaranteed to please audiences. The old music they play sounds fresh, and the new music they create sounds old enough to be well ensconced in tradition. They succeed in expressing the soul of Celtic music in it's myriad forms.
One traditional song sung by Frank extols the virtues of "Colcannon, a favorite potato dish"made with lovely pickled cream with the greens and scallions mingled like a picture in a dream.
Another is about the hellish life in the coal mines, but even this tune has it's twist, admitting, "for to work on Monday, that would never do!"
My favorite is an Australian song recently composed in the Celtic tradition entitled "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda": it recalls one soldier's tragic fate in WWI, fighting in Gallipoli. When Frank finishes this one, it's the men who get out their handkerchiefs.
Each band member has a special aspect to add to the complete Atlantic Shore experience. Lunceford's dead-pan humor often succeeds in cracking up both the audience as well as the rest of the band. My favorite is the story about the accordion as a weapon and an instrument of torture.
Fiddler Engle grins with an ecstatic glow, fingers flying, pumping out energy, and pulling out numerous instruments from his musical arsenal, including the mysterious "blarge."
Ray Frank's vocals are pure soul, and besides being a fountain of fascinating folk lyrics and tunes, his guitar playing is world class.
Drummer Donnelly excites audiences, as most people have never seen a bodhran, let alone heard the many tones it can make when properly played. When they cut him loose, Paul's exhuberant solo always brings down the house.
After seeing Atlantic Shore in concert, one concert promoter said it best - "Folk music isn't supposed to be like this !"
