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Sharlene Wallace "The Rhyme & The River"
format: album, released: 1996

review by Karl Mohr


With great delight, one can drift away to the fine sounds of Toronto-based
Celtic harpist Sharlene Wallace. Here, on this tasteful collection of
compositions, one is treated to Celtic, South American and compositions
by Wallace. Produced by Evelyne Datl, and featuring guest musicians George
Koller (double bass, cello), Evelyne Datl (piano, accordion), Brian Taheny
(guitar) and Alan Hetherington (maracas, panderio, bells, surdo, berimbau
triangle), the album begins with solo harp and gradually adds timbral depth
as the energy builds.

Wallace's technique is subtle, with great attention to the compression and
expansion of time, with long pauses and elastic phrasing. She proves here
to be equally adept at expressing the latin harp feel of Salzedo and Ortiz
as she does at welling up the Celtic soul. Her own compositions are compelling
and executed with deep attachment and intimacy.

The recording work of Jacques Poirier is also notable here, with intimate, close-
microphone techniques capturing every motion and breath of Wallace as she
executes her smooth, gentle performances. Her harp is covered with a stereo
perspective, astounding in headphones, that reveals gorgeous stereo panning
across Wallace's glissandos and arpeggios. Tasteful mixing leaves Wallace
shining brilliant in the warm backdrop of her comrades.

A perfect CD recording for any new age catalogue or esoteric shop, the artistry
and grace on this compilation combined with professional production push it past
boundaries, above and beyond the standard Celtic fare.

Standout tracks: Self-composed "Winter Frieze" inspired by winter in Canada's
Muskoka region has a nice, gentle, laidback latin feel. "Ice Lake" written
by producer Evelyne Datl is a deeply moving piece, exploring interesting
harmonic landscapes. Carlos Salzedo's "Rêverie" is sure to bring a sweet tear
to one's eye and heave the heart. The piece with the most unlikely title of
"Dance, Fanny Power Dance" is Wallace's creation, sensitively mixing bittersweet
themes and gently gyrating latin rhythms.