Review for NP CD....

[Iron Bess]

We are complimented and very humbled by your review BilgeMonkey....

Thanks so much mate! From every member of the New Providence band (most especially the HARP player who is posting this on every venue he can find.....)

Genre: Traditional and traditional-styled origninal pirate tunes.

Rating: PG

Target Audience: Late teens to early retirement

Down Among the Dead Men - the first album by Pirates of New Providence - hits the ground running with its initial track, Fire Maringo. Being a traditional song, I've heard it performed before, and have never really given it much thought. But the Pirates of New Providence make it a tough song to dismiss. Strong, clear vocals are complimented by solid drums to immediately command attention. Soon the backup vocals and what I believe to be a tamborine also join in to play with the softer and higher notes. All told, it's a commanding opener, and one that illustrates the truth that sometimes an old song can be made new again through sheer strength of the performance.

The "newness" of old songs has weighed on my mind of late. As the availabilty to competently performed traditional sea songs expands at a seeming exponential rate, I find that it's becoming increasingly rare to hear a rendition of any traditional tune that truly stands out from the herd. This is why, upon first finding a CD such as "Down Among the Dead Men", where every song is traditional, I'm at once curious and fearful. A strong first track, such as is Fire Maringo, is a comforting start, but can the entire album hold up?

Dead Man's Chest - the album's second track - lays the groundwork for the rest of the album. The various elements remain clear, with vocals (this time female) and drums ringing loud and true. On their own, its a formula that would lead to an album of decent pirate tunes, but not exactly memorable or groundbreaking. But the Pirates of New Providence are trickier than I'd have expected, and throw in a factor that to my knowledge is entirely unheard of in the world of pirate music: a harp.

When first I heard the plucking of harp strings to the tune of Dead Man's Chest, my eyes nearly popped from my skull - and I don't exaggerate. Harps would seem well placed in a king's court, but when I think of the grungy world of pirates, a harp seems as out of place as would Frasier and Niles Crane on Barbossa's Crew. So how does it fit in musically? At this point, I wasn't sure.

Hills of Connemara lacks the new harp element, but has no shortage of instruments. Guitar, harmonica, and I can't even say what else all join in to make for an energized song with an excellent sound about it. Down Among the Dead Men - the album's title track - brings that harp right back, though. Again, strong female vocals, drums, and yes - a harp - all combine to do a traditional song in a traditional manner that feels anything but traditional. At this point, I was starting to suspect that the inclusion of the harp just might be an unlikely stroke of genius.

The next several tracks, Haul Away Joe, Rosen the Beau, and Sam's Gone Away, don't prominently feature harp work, and therefore feel more akin to the traditional songs one would expect. Strength and clarity remain defining features throughout, though, and the consistently high quality of the recording make each song a delight to hear. Captain Kidd, sees the harp's return, and this time even includes the strumming scales that would seem more at home in a fairy tale movie than a pirate song. And yet, as a package it works surprisingly well, and makes for one of the most unique Captain Kidd versions I've experienced.

The album's final three songs, Nancy Whiskey, One for the Morning Glory, and Parting Glass, all follow in the tradition set by the previous tracks. Very well done, and with a variety of instrumentals from penny whistles and guitars to flutes (another not-quite-piratey instrument) and ukuleles.One for the Morning Glory is a little sing-songy for my taste, but otherwise these three songs work well to conclude a fine album.

Down Among the Dead Men was my first introduction to the work of Pirates of New Providence, and listening to this album was indeed a small adventure in its own right. Generally speaking, the strong clarity of the vocals and instrumental make this the sort of album that can be experienced as well as merely listened to - a good stereo system or set of high-end headphones make this the sort of music into which you can literally immerse yourself. This alone would make for a worthwhile album, but it's their daring use of such non-piratey, not-exactly-masculine instruments such as the harp (and to a lesser degree the flute) that make for a truly original CD.

[Ransom]

Jacky Tar sent me this CD as a gift late last year. I've nearly burned the grooves off of it since then, I've played it so often. Everything BilgeMonkey says is true — although I'm not a musical expert, like he is. However, he should have mentioned Iron Bess's killer voice, especially in the Parting Glass song.

Truely, a CD worth the shiny!

[Jacky Tar]

Aye, I spent a bit o' the shiny fer a copy, fer me self too.

The members o' New Providence are lively performers, an very entertainin' in their own right; as those who've caught their live performances will attest.

Iron Bess is a Celtic songbird t' be sure. Just watch yer purses and hearts, when yer aroun' her, lads.

[Iron Bess]

That is right kind of you mates.... and I thank you.

However it's often better to not single out a single person in a band of so many most especially in a review.

Besdies, without me mates I'd be just another song singer. We are all a part of the whole so my good performaces are in part due to their good and happy efforts.

So I thank ye from ALL of us!

[Jacky Tar]

However it's often better to not single out a single person in a band of so many ...

Single ye out? It's just that yer easier t' hit... The others duck an cover faster!

[Iron Bess]

No, no mate.... it's just that I'm better at bat'n 'em back!!

[Red-Handed Jill]

I got a chance to hear Iron Bess sing at Ojai and the praise is indeed well-deserved.

[1stMate Matt]

That BilgeMonkey is the best...

Love the music btw. Would love to help you promote it somehow.

[Iron Bess]

I'll be after send'n your offer to our fearless Dictator...

I mean Director.

[Red Maria]

Thank yea Bildgemonkey for your wonderful review. Thank also to you 1stMate for your offer to promote our CD. Thank all of you who have bought our CD and supported us . The ones who were there at get go and all of those who have followed us. Iron Bess I think we're truly blessed.

[Iron Bess]

That BilgeMonkey is the best...

Love the music btw. Would love to help you promote it somehow.

Matt... empty out your in box for PM's....

It's full and won't take the info I am sending you.

[1stMate Matt]

whoopz...tis empty now me' Love.

[Bilgemunky]

I'm glad your crew liked the review, but the credit really goes to you lot - I just report on what I hear, and I heard lots of good things

[Iron Bess]

whoopz...tis empty now me' Love.

Oooo.. I love a man that jumps when I put the come-hither on’em….

(chuckle) Thanks lad, info has been sent to your in – box.

[1stMate Matt]

I just got my copy in the mail. WOW. I am blown away at how professional the CD looks. The cover looks better the the POTC dvd covers.

I gave it a brief listen to and it sounds great. I have a 2 hour drive to the Spoutwood Mayday festival this evening so I will give it a full listen then.

If all goes will you will be able to get this awsome CD on the Pirates Magazine webstore.

[Rumba Rue]

I'll be after send'n your offer to our fearless Dictator...

I mean Director.

ROTFLMAF!!!!!

Poor Amy.........

[Black Syren]

Where does one find the CD?

[Iron Bess]

I'll be after send'n your offer to our fearless Dictator...

I mean Director. 

ROTFLMAF!!!!!

Poor Amy.........

The truth is often... painful.