Greentrax
's
Celtic Collections, Vol. 2
, series focuses on the songs of Scottish poet
Robert Burns
. Standout tracks include family singers,
the MCalmans
' renditions of
"Man's a Man for A' That"
and
"Tae the Weaver's Gin Ye Gang"
-- the latter being particularly resonant. Edinburgh-based
Ceolbeg
contribute an emotional
"A' the Arts"
Janet Russell
gives a rousing version of
"Rattlin' Roarin' Willie"
a much-needed fire.
Burns
was at heart a balladeer, and the pace of the collection reflects that. One could do worse, though, as the performances here are genuine, moving, and reverent to their esteemed subject. ~ James Christopher Monger