Straight-up Celtic music has few sturdier proponents than these two. Mary Jane is best known as Ashley MacIsaac’s Gaelic singer and Wendy as fiddler in the band Beolach. A contemporary touch like half-funky bassline might cameo, but this sumptuous recording may confirm the word that Cape Breton music is more Scottish these days than the Scots’. A vast supporting cast including Matt MacIsaac (whistles) and Cathy Porter (accordion) step forward in a timely fashion. Irish vocal trio T with the Maggies (including Mairéad from Altan) make “Tåladh Na Beinne Guirme” a highlight. Traditional yes, but Seinn can ignite fresh movement and reflection in the jaded.
This article appears in Oct 11-17, 2012.