Though she's American,
Joemy Wilson shows a very strong feeling for time-honored jigs, airs, and reels on the entirely instrumental
Celtic Treasures, the fourth in her series of traditional Irish/Celtic folk.
Wilson is very persuasive on the hammered dulcimer, a string instrument that's prominent in this type of music, and brings a great deal of warmth to it. Some of this material dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, including four pieces by the legendary Turlough O'Carolan ("Katherine O'More," "Sean Jones," "Michael O'Connor," and "Planxty Drury") and one by his competitor Cornelius Lyons ("Miss Hamilton"). A blind harp master who lived from 1670-1738, O'Carolan was one of the most revered figures in the history of Irish music. Though
Wilson's interest in Scottish and Welsh traditions asserts itself on this CD, Ireland's legacy is her primary focus. It takes a certain amount of charisma to play these classics convincingly, and
Wilson has plenty. ~ Alex Henderson