70 Musicians in an all-volunteer contra dance orchestra
© 2002, 14 tracks / 36 tunes / 73:59 total time
Product #: PMB-01D Price: $15.00 |
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This CD was recorded at the annual Megaband contra dance in Portland, Oregon, March 9, 2002.
Seventy musicians played at this event: 30 fiddles, 10 mandolins, banjos, and autoharp, 7 whistles, flutes,
recorders, 3 concertinas and accordions, 2 clarinets, 2 saxophones, 3 hammer dulcimers, 9 guitars,
4 percussionists, keyboard, bass, and harp. Although the tune sets here have been edited to fit the time
of a CD, many transitions within and between the tunes have been left intact to retain the feel
and flow of an actual Megaband dance. The Portland Megaband has a tremendous range of sound from flashy
solos to quiet harmonies, to powerful wall-of-sound crescendos. Dancers are driven to paroxysms of delight
by the tight, precise playing of this contra dance orchestra. We hope that the listener will experience this
same energy and excitement upon hearing this recording.
Track List:
* Corrected titles were learned since the release of this recording:
The Boats of Killaloe correct title is: Munster Buttermilk.
Bob Olsen correct title is: Hey Little Girl, Do What I Tell You.
Hommage ŕ la Belle Gaspésie correct title is: La Belle Gaspésie.
Martin Hayes correct title is: The Hairy Dogleaf.
Ernie Healy's correct title is: Poor But Happy at 53.