| Reviews: Castlerea |
| Dirty Linen |
Issue #118, by Tom Nelligan (Jun/Jul 2005)
Maryland guitarist Jim Tozier has released
Castelrea [self-produced JTCD0301 (2003)], a collection of mostly solo fingerstyle instrumentals, some traditional (like a sensitive, graceful rendition of Turlough O'Carolan's "Planxty Irwin") and many original in Celtic-inspired styles (such as the title cut, a quick, dancing reel full of bright little ornaments). Tozier is a DADGAD specialist, which lends a richly resonating sound to tracks, like his moody instrumental version of the English song "The Blacksmith", which leads into a deep, sad original melody.
by Norman Beberman, June 2003
Jim Tozier is a finger-style guitarist from Maryland. Specializing in traditional Celtic music and original Celtic-inspired compositions, Jim plays primarily in the alternate tunings of DADGAD and CGCGCD.
Most guitarists play with their hands. What makes Jim a great guitarist, and what makes
Castlerea such a thoroughly enjoyable CD, is that Jim plays with his heart. Jim's guitar-playing conjures images of plaid Scotsmen playing bagpipes, images of a solitary walk through fields that are emerald green and images of a time, a place and a culture that found beauty in things like nature and family.
This 19-track CD is filled with excellent Celtic fingerstyle playing. Gracefully alternating between delicate melodies and powerful melodies paying tribute to flamenco influences, Jim's original compositions express in music those thoughts that are timeless; love of children and family in "Owen's March," "M'inion Alainn," "The Courtship" and "Rings"; respect for those who have come before us in "Castlerea"; eternal struggle of man against nature in "The Last Keeper" and "Idyll Hours"; importance of community and social gatherings in "County Fair"; pursuing dreams in "Tilting of Windmills."
As a fan of traditional Celtic music, "Planxty Irwin," The Blacksmith part of "The Blacksmith/Passions' Forge," "The Rights of Man/Brian Boru's March," and "Pretty Girl Milking a Cow" were brilliantly interpreted and played. As a further testament to Jim's playing, the traditional "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," played with Al Petteway on Irish bouzouki, transcends the label of "holiday song."
Castelrea ends much too quickly with "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," played with John Sweet in a superb demonstation of a duet played in C-tuning by Jim and standard tuning by John.
Whether playing one of his original compositions, playing with noted guitarist Al Petteway, or one of Jim's faithful renditions of traditional Celtic tunes,
Castlerea firmly establishes Jim as one of the most eloquent Celtic guitarists in the world.
To hear for yourself, go to Jim's website and click on "Songs." Pour a Guiness, Fuller's, Bass or Harp and enjoy the mp3's. Erin Go Bragh!
| The Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Page |
by Art Edelstein, June 2003
Jim is a new player who has studied with Al Petteway. Thus, we know he will be a lyrical, taste conscious performer with considerable chops. Al recorded this CD and the sound is marhvelous!!! Not all the material on this CD is Celtic, although Jim says its "Celtic Inspired." He does several from the traditional repertoire including Carolan's Planxty Irwin, The Rights of Man, and Pretty Girl Milking a Cow (!) (Is this the next Julia Roberts movie title???) Much of the CD is dedicated to New American Steel String Guitar playing a la, Kottke, Fahey, Basio and others. A really good first effort.
