Flirting With The Edge - John Whelan And Friends / Featuring: Bernadette Peters singing Dublin Lady / Narada Audio CD 1998 / 72438-45444-2-3

UPC 724384544423

Wow! This aptly titled CD from John Whelan and his musical friends packs a real punch. Even on the more mysterious and lyrical pieces, there's an underlying, focused energy that says "zone": as in everyone who played on this album was in one during the recording. Whelan can play a wild, raucous accordion that's never sloppy or self-indulgent, and when he's paired with Oscar Lopez on guitar, the two spawn a chemistry that takes one's breath away. As Whelan says on the jacket, he and Oscar weren't schooled in their instruments, and a lack of self-consciousness shines throughout this collection. The few ballads sprinkled throughout the album add a lovely respite; Connie Dover's work on "Red Is the Rose" is especially radiant, and the flamenco-flavored pieces are surprisingly graceful and genuine. As on 1997's Celtic Crossroads, Whelan aimed on this CD to push the musical envelope via collaboration, and the celebratory Flirting shows the man has again met his artistic goal. --Karen Karleski

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