Regular Columnists

Artist: Band: Willson & McKee
Album: This Thin Place
CD Review: I love traditional music well played. There is nothing so wonderful as a beautiful Celtic harp or the soul stirring sound of the bodhran. Willson & McKee’s CD, This Thin Place is lovely. Well played, beautifully sung and entertaining from start to finish.

Blending a little contemporary acoustic music in the mix, This Thin Place is a wonderful collection of traditional and original tunes by Kim McKee. McKee, an award winning dulcimer player, also contributes harp, accordion and guitar, while Ken Willson plays guitar and Irish bouzouki. I love the Celtic harp…it’s so lyrical.

Silkworm’s Flight and King’s Shilling stood out for me. Combining pure sweet vocals and traditional arrangements, the songs were both fresh and ancient. It’s difficult I think to pull off a purely traditional CD. There are so many musicians doing this sort of thing, and to stand out, one has to convey a freshness that cuts through the tradition. I think Willson and McKee have done just that.

I must admit I was stunned by the beauty and power of the closing number, When Next We Meet. McKee explains in the liner notes that she wrote this song after losing family and friends in a series of bizarre accidents. It made her realize that any given moment could be the last one with a loved one. I want to sing this song. It was amazing.

This Thin Place is good. If you hold a fondness for all things Celtic, you will love this CD. It’s beautiful, haunting, melodic and soul stirring. I highly recommend it.

For more information about Willson & McKee, their website is www.jigheads.com.