November-December 2007

ARTIST: ATHENA TERGIS

TITLE: A LETTER HOME

LABEL: COMPASS RECORDS

By Brooke Alberts

Athena Tergis - San Francisco- raised Valley Of The Moon (Alisdair Fraser’s Scottish Fiddle School) denizen, three-time Junior National Scottish Fiddling Champion and principal fiddler for Riverdance on Broadway- has released a lovely and varied CD showcasing her clean and sprightly style with the help of some other excellent musicians. Eminent guitarist John Doyle is the producer along with providing his signature syncopated guitar and bouzouki accompaniment and arrangements. Liz Carroll, Natalie Haas and Sharon Shannon join her as well on a few tracks on fiddle, cello and accordion, respectively, along with Chico Huff on bass, Billy McComiskey on accordion, and Ben Wittman on percussion.

I have to admit, this recording kind of crept up on me. At first I was bothered by the “studio” feeling of it and the occasional obtrusiveness of the backup on two tracks, but her playing is nimble and clear, and she can really swing. Beyond that, she’s selected some truly choice tunes from a variety of sources  There are two reels by prolific American fiddle tune composer Ed Reavy, some Cape Breton reels and strathspeys from Buddy MacMaster, Donegal reels and barndances, and other Irish material. She also includes one of her own compositions, a charming reel named after her Italian vineyard, Terralsole.

Occasionally the guitar seems to overwhelm the fiddle, and on one track the drum is overbearing. I keep listening, though, because of the beguiling tune sets and her immaculate playing, and I wish that she'd had more of a spotlight on her. There are so many brilliant musicians on the album that the fact that her own playing sounds truly delightful -crystalline, strong and fine, like a spider's web- tends to get somewhat obscured.

Brooke Alberts is a songwriter and has a Masters degree in Medieval Studies.