Artist: Various
Album: The Secret World of Celtic Rock
Year produced: 2005

When Marc Gunn sent me a preview copy of this album, I wasn't entirely certain what to expect. My exposure to Celtic rock has been very limited and generally consisted of avoiding it at festivals in favour of the more traditional music I know and love so much. Upon listening to this album, I realized how much I've been missing! While my first love with always be the traditional side of Celtic music, the rock world has come a close second.

This album, which packs 19 different groups into every little crevice of the CD, is at turns exciting, dramatic, driving, and just plain fun. It begins with, of all instruments, the Australian didgeridoo, which launches into Heather Dale's "Mordred's Lullaby," a rather sinister lullaby sung by Morgan LaFay to her bastard son Mordred (both of Arthurian legend). Heather's unique voice coupled with a rock beat and somewhat New Age sounding accompaniment give the opening track of the CD a very dramatic flavouring.

Besides the opening track, one of my other favourites is Rimbo's version of the traditional Scottish song "Red, Red Rose," which features Marc Gunn on vocals. Simply put, Marc's voice is gorgeous and Rimbo's background is a perfect complement for it. Other highlights include The Rogues' "Groovy Scooby," an exciting instrumental featuring highland bagpipes and drums, and Amadan's "Johnny Jump Up/Swallowtail Jig," which features a revved-up version of the song, "Johnny Jump Up" followed by the traditional jig, "The Swallowtail."

If you have no experience in the realm of Celtic rock, this is an excellent album to start with. With such a wide variety of styles, you're bound to find at least one (or 19) bands you really enjoy. And even better, Marc provides links to the bands' sites in the CD jacket, so if you're interested in purchasing the full albums, it's easy to find where to do that!

And if you do know about Celtic rock, this is still a great album to introduce you to many of the independent artists performing it around the world. It's definitely not an album to be missed!

Buy the album: The Secret World of Celtic Rock