— by Lin McNulty —
Carolyn Cruso’s new CD release “Migrations” is available at Darvills.
Carolyn Cruso has released nine recordings since 1989, seven of them instrumental projects and two singer/songwriter.
‘Migrations: A Retrospective’ was released this year and is compiled from the first four recordings this multi-instrumentalist / songwriter made with the late, great Robert Almblade with whom she played for eleven years until his untimely death in 1997. Together they wrote, arranged, recorded and performed all over Europe and the United States.
Most of the pieces were produced and recorded in Portland Oregon by Billy Oskay, founder and former member of the Windham Hill ensemble Nightnoise. Three tracks were recorded in Germany. Except for one traditional tune, all the pieces on ‘Migrations’ are original and fuse Celtic, Eastern European, East Indian, New Acoustic and Jazz styles for a rich and lush soundscape
Robert and Carolyn were modern day minstrels roaming the backroads and following the winds of chance; banding together with other travelers at times and setting out just the two of them at others. Since Robert’s death Carolyn has continued the tradition and added the genre of singer/songwriting to her diverse array of sounds. She plays around the U.S. appearing at concert halls, churches, festivals, schools, coffeehouses, and taverns.
She’s shared stages with Randal Bays, Peter Mayer, Tiller’s Folly, Tom May, Susan Osborn, Larry Murante, Joanne Rand, Alice DiMicele, Kate Price, and Jim Page.
“Beautiful” ~Deb Anderson- KZUM Lincoln, NE
“A powerful fusion of Celtic and Eurasian music. Great tunes!” ~Fan
“Shimmering orchestral driving world music…an excellent retrospective that should receive contemporary play” ~ Victory Music, Seattle, WA
“Carolyn’s new Retrospective CD, ‘Migrations’, engages the listener with grace and imagination” ~Maggie Perry, Nightcrossings – Radio Kansas NPR
“Carolyn is an exquisite dulcimist who brings an intense spirituality to her compositions and performance. It was a pleasure to listen to some choice selections her Retrospective project. I was completely blown away by ‘The Four Sisters’. My first listen was driving home after my KBCS radio show….full moon breaking through fog…quite the spiritual moment. Robert’s dulcimer playing is perfect and Carolyn’s twin whistle harmony lines are spine tingling. That tune is now on my ‘learn’ list.” ~Eric Hardee – Folksounds, KBCS, Bellevue, WA
You can listen and purchase her album at CD Baby, iTunes, CarolynCruso.com, and at Darvills in downtown Eastsound.
