The music of Nova Scotia is particularly closely tied to that of Scotland. Indeed, the music on this album is almost entirely pipe and drum music. Bagpipes galore, with the occasional violin thrown in for good measure. As such, there is at first listen probably not much to distinguish this album from the myriad other bagpipe albums (it's even got "Amazing Grace," of course). On a deeper listen though, there are little pieces here and there that can make this one show off something new. There are small hints of Irish influence now and again. There is a definite influence of the fisherman's song and the sea shanties, which is sensible given the location and livelihood of Nova Scotia (and especially Cape Breton, where much of the musical heritage is centered). Additionally though, there is a touch of the contemporary here. There's the obligatory fusion-type work lifted directly from Michael Flatley's performance numbers, but rather more amazingly there are drum cadences, both alone and in the background, that would make the top-flight Southern marching band drum lines proud. There's a fire burning in the band to do more than the usual repertoire. It only peeks out now and then, but when it does, it's a welcome addition to the sound. ~ Adam Greenberg