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A Roof for the Rain Greenfire Dorian Recordings (DOR-90295) The all-string ensemble of Greenfire deserves credit for avoiding the overproduction that clutters so much of today's Celtic music. Instead, the ancient rhythms of the reel, strathspey, and waltz speak for themselves in A Roof for the Rain, a follow-up to Greenfire's 1998 self-titled debut album. Virtuosa fiddler Laura Risk is adept at interpreting the various styles of Breton, Canadian, Irish, and Scottish players. Along with Ken Kolodner on hammered dulcimer, the pair seamlessly works one tune into the other. Although ancient works are represented here, many of the compositions are modern, and the fact that every track manages to carry its own weight underscores the key to Celtic music's timeless appeal. Among the standout tracks is the title piece by Kolodner and "Breton Dance," in which the group starts with deceptive quiet, and then spins off into a hypnotic improvisation that demonstrates Risk's skill as a performer. Although backup guitar and cittern by Keith Murphy and Joseph Sobol add dimension to some of the pieces, this is a much quieter album than one might find with, say, the Chieftans. Occasionally Kolodner's dulcimer seems muffled, and some listeners might miss the addition of wind and percussion instruments. Still, those interested in experiencing the magic that occurs when seasoned performers play together will find much to enjoy here. --Mary C. Dalton

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