Across the Black River up for Grammies

Thanks to Louis O'Dwyer for forwarding the following news. Louis adds: 'To me, this is a groundbreaking masterpiece album.'

Fiddler Kevin Burke and composer Cal Scott first met while working on music for a TV documentary about the Troubles in Northern Ireland. This initial collaboration led to a friendship, which has resulted in their first CD together, Across the Black River, on the Loftus Music label. Guest musicians include Johnny B. Connolly (accordion), Michael McGoldrick (flute) and Phil Baker (double bass).

Across the Black River is listed in three categories in the Grammy 2008 awards first-round ballots:
Category 74, Best Traditional World Music Album;
Category 86, Best Instrumental Arrangement (the track 'The long set', comprising 'The boys of the lough'/ 'Crowley's'/ 'Sean sa Cheo'/ 'Reel of Rio'/ 'Paddy Ryan's dream'/ 'Wind that shakes the barley'; and
Category 40: Best Country Instrumental ('Evening prayer blues')

The deadline for receiving Grammy ballots is 7 November. Kevin Burke and Cal Scott will appreciate any support.

BIB editor's note: 'Evening prayer blues' was composed by DeFord Bailey, star of the early Grand Ole Opry, and is best known to bluegrassers through the 1981 recording by Bill Monroe, who said: 'Deford was the best [blues] harmonica player... that ever lived'. A mandolin duet version by Mike Compton and David Long, on their Stomp album (Acoustic Disc ACD-63), was released last year.