Story Girl is the sixth album and latest release from The Seattle-based trio, The Gothard Sisters.
The other week I had the pleasure of reviewing the The Gothard Sisters’ Christmas album and I wondered at the time what else they were capable of in their own comfort zone, and now I know. The three sisters, Greta, Willow and Solana, exhibit a talent way beyond their years. The music, the ambiance, and flair is very professional and brilliant to say the least.
The Gothard Sisters play Celtic music with a vengeance. Plus, in their stage show, they dance as well. They look good and sound good, a package that is the recipe for success if ever there was one. All three play the violin and I am not sure which sister takes the lead violin, but it is superb. It’s young Solana that takes lead vocals and the harmony produced from sibling Greta is not to be dismissed.
All three sisters are multi instrumentalists. Greta: violin, acoustic guitar, bass, keys, strings, cajon, piano, djembe. Willow: violin, mandolin, bodhran, strings, cajon, and bass keys. Solana: lead vocals, violin, bodhran, strings, and djembe. Guest musicians on this album inclued Darin Watkins, drums, Laurence Knight, bass, and Ariana Nelson, cello.
Apart from some brilliant arrangements of songs such as “Fields of Athenry,” “Raglan Road” and “‘A Girl You Don’t Meet Everyday” (perhaps better known as “A Man You Don’t Meet Everyday”) they breathe new life into “Scarborough Fair.” The big plus side of the album comes from the original material. All of the tunes on the album are written by Greta and Willow and, as they are classically trained violinists and Irish dancers, it easy to see where the inspiration comes from. I particularly like “The Three Coins” written by Willow, it’s superb and is bound to become a standard. This is pre-empted by a fabulous simple tune/song by Greta called “It’s the Little Things.” I like the Irish step dancing in “The Tree Coins.” River Dance fans will love this.
This one of the nicest “entertaining” albums of Celtic music I have heard in a long time. It’s a real must have album. You can buy it or download it (but if you download, you miss out on the stunning cover and package) on line here
I would buy it! Seriously. This is an album you will play over and over again. If The Gothard sisters ever tour over here, they will take the UK by storm. Festival and club organisers take note – book them if you get chance.
P.S. check out The Gothard Sisters video for “The Three Coins.”
(Self-released, 2011)
