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Adew Dundee The Baltimore Consort Dorian Recordings (DOR 90314) In their latest recording, The Baltimore Consort capitalizes on today's rage for Celtic music with their exploration of the secular music of Scotland. In 17th and early 18th-century England, "Scotch tunes" were popular throughout the country, not only in the pubs and theaters, but also among the aristocracy. This Scotch sound reached a pinnacle of popularity after the English Restoration with the publications of Playford and D'Urfey's songbooks. Two songs from these publications can be heard on this CD: "The Scotch Cuckold" and "Catherine Logy." Using existing manuscripts of mostly instrumental music that was written down by 17th-century Scottish aristocrats, this talented consort produces a pleasing and distinctive-sounding CD. The subtleties written within the music play out beautifully, thanks to the Consort's expert musicianship and Dorian's 24-bit process, which keeps the dynamic range of the music intact. A good example of the "Scotch snap" (short-long rhythms) can be heard in the piece "Generall Leslys Goodnight." The music is beautiful in its simplicity with its laments and woeful rhythms. And Custer La Rue's clear and emotive singing encompasses the contrasting sadness and joy of the "Scotch snap" while the instrumentals provide a rich and colorful accompaniment. From 16th-century vocal music to the emotional and lovely strains of the instrumentals, The Baltimore Consort creates Scotch music that is fresh and original. Just as the various French and English influences contributed to the transformation of Scotland's Early Music into an art form, so does this ensemble's expertise and superb musicianship produce a rich and diverse sound that is uniquely theirs. Their exuberant performances clearly demonstrate that there is considerably more to Scottish music then just the bagpipe. — Ian Rotondi

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