Letters

Paxton Complexity
This is the funniest typo I've read in a long time (#80, page 7). And I always thought releasing a compilation was taking the easy way out! - Lisa (Grants Pass, OR) (via email)

Oops
Re your review of The Ruby (Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain) on page 72 (issue #80): Phil's "lyrical tribute to his wife" is called "Donna's Waltz" and was written many, many years ago. The origin of "Sarah's Song" is clearly explained in the CD liner notes, which your reviewer apparently neglected to read. Pity, because it's really quite an interesting story. — Jean Hayes (Highlands, NC) (via email)

Celtic Lowdown
I write in response to T.J. McGrath's review of the video Irish Rhythm Guitar - Accompanying Celtic Tunes, in your February/March (#80)issue. I've subscribed to your magazine for some years, and have often found your reviews informative and useful. This one, however, was highly disappointing. To be blunt, it contained little or no material which could not have been found by reading the blurb on the back of the box. I was left wondering if McGrath had even watched the video, much less attempted to play through it, as I have. Mr. Doyle is a great player, but his unique style is a difficult one to learn, and not the best choice for a beginning Irish trad guitarist. Particularly notable is the fact that he uses big "stretched out" chord forms, which are difficult for even experienced players. McGrath's review mentions none of this. The last time I checked, a review was supposed to comment on a work, not merely paraphrase the publisher's description.

Additionally, McGrath's use of the expression "Celtic hoedown," made me suspicious of his or her competency to review any material related to Irish traditional music. Clever wordplay is fine, but this suggests a lack of familiarity with the tradition. Would it be appropriate to speak of a "Cajun ceili," a "Breton fais do-do" or an "Appalachian fest-noz?" - Andrew Carey (Newtown, CT) (via email)