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Every once in a while we get a surprise, something that hits us out of the blue and really sets us back on our heels. Lately, I had this very thing happen to me. I had a call from Neil Matthews telling me that he had been in contact with a girl that could really sing and wanted to record a CD but didn't know how to go about it. I said, “sure I've heard this story a thousand times” but I'd give her a listen. I'm not an expert on who can sing and who can't but over the last several years (and that's as far as I'll go) I've heard enough singers to know what pleases people's ears.
I gave this girl a listen and she really impressed me as someone that enjoyed what she did and was very good at it.
Anyway, to make a long story somewhat less boring, she recorded a CD and the result is A Smile And A Song the first release by Susan Pitre.
This CD contains a combination of styles from Celtic to country to almost bluegrass and Susan handles them all very well. The songs reflect her taste in music along with a few tunes that people have requested and all together it makes for a fine first effort.
One of the highlights on the CD is Rita MacNeil's “I'll Accept The Rose” along with the old Johnny and Jack favourite “Ashes Of Love,” Patsy Cline's “Walkin' After Midnight” and the Wayne Cochran penned classic, “The Last Kiss” originally recorded by Frank Wilson and The Cavaliers in 1964. This wide variety of styles shows the range and versatility of Susan's voice.
On this CD Susan is quite capably accompanied by Jimi Platts on electric guitars, Judy Low on keyboards and some other old guy on bass, acoustic guitars, percussion stuff, and elementary mandolin.
Put in the correct market I believe this CD will sell well because of it's variety of material and sincere delivery.
If you'd like to have a copy of this CD contact Susan at 902-628-6566 or 902-894-9586 or go to the many ceilidhs and variety concerts that she plays at in the Charlottetown area. I'm sure you'll enjoy this CD and will want to add it to your collection.
Since I didn't get my column in on time for the December issue (memory loss), I like to wish everyone all the best in the new year and hope that you get to see and support lots of local talent.
I've been going around to some of the local ceilidhs lately and there is a lot of good local talent to choose from, some polished and some not but mostly very sincere in what they do.
I haven't decided whether to go to the south or not this year but whether I go or not I'll still be right here next month.
Until next time don't forget to support live country music and listen to Bluegrass Island every Sunday evening at 9:00 on CFCY 95.1 FM.
Please send all CDs for review or airplay to: Charlie Hansen, P.O. Box 366 Cornwall, PE C0A 1H0.
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