UnReel -

UnReel: Music for Champions - The New CD by John-Allen Smith

1. Reels (113)
2. Reels (113)
3. Reels (113)
4. Reels (113)
5. Slip Jigs (113)
6. Slip Jigs (113)
7. Slip Jigs (113)
8. Slip Jigs (113)
9. Treble Jigs (73)
10. Treble Jigs (73)
11. Treble Jigs (73)
12. Treble Jigs (73)
13. Hornpipes (113)
14. Hornpipes (113)
15. Hornpipes (113)
16. Hornpipes (113)
17. The Drunken Gauger (67) 1:58
18. Planxty Hugh O'Donnell (70) 1:58

Notes from select tracks:

1. Reels 113 (Tommy's Reel, Hodgepodge, El Torada#1)
The first Reel in this set I wrote for Thomas Bracken, who I danced with for many years before joining the show, then moving to Ireland. It is a difficult tune to play and never rests, with a continuous string of triplets forming the tune.

2. Reels 113 (The Foolish Jeweller & The Sneaky Thief)
This duo of tunes is lively and dramatic, and the melody of the first tune bears a resemblence to Jewel's 90's-hit 'Foolish Games'. When I realised this, it inspired me to re-record this track with a brief piano introduction identical to the one used in her song.

5. Slip Jigs 113 (Down & Out, Lohengrin)
Lohengrin is a tune which is based on the traditional wedding march. With some minor changes I was able to play it as a Slip Jig which would be ideal for use in wedding performances.

6. Slip Jigs 113 (Kerri'd Away, On the Podium)
This is probably my new favorite Slip Jig now. Kerri'd Away is a very graceful and expressive tune which is named after a girl from dancing class who inspired the tune. It turns to a more lively Slip Jig which makes you feel like your'e rising to the music...kind of like ascending up onto a podium.

7. Slip Jigs 113 (Sami's Wedding)
This tune is one of a set of tunes which I have put together to play for my sister's wedding in November 2010. A combination of Sax, Accordian, Guitar and Piano interact musically, representing the unison of marriage and of many parts becoming one complete intity.

8. Slip Jigs 113 (Montserrat's Jig)
The Carribbean-island of Montserrat is deeply entrenched with Irish culture, and even celebrates St.Patricks Day for a week! This tune is unusual and a sharp departure from the other tunes I've recorded on this CD. With a light and airy Carabbean feel, my hope is that this track will refresh you during a long practice and give you a lift to get through a bit more.

9. Treble Jigs 73 (Big-Hearted Heidi, Family Time!)
The first tune in this set was inspired by a friend and mentor of mine whose energy and unwavering optimism are expressed here in musical form. I have tried to follow her example throughout the process of recording this CD, and I'm so grateful for all she's taught me.

10. Treble Jigs 73 (Down the Wee Lane, The Knotty Knitter)
I really like this set of Heavy Jigs... The Knotty Knitter is named after a good friend of mine over the years who has made several handmade Irish blankets and sold them off to help fund my travel as a competitive dancer...God Bless her!

13. Hornpipes 113 (Miss Missy's, Walkin' to the Offie)
The first tune in this set I wrote for my Mom, who just a few weeks ago was diagnosed with lymphoma. She has been very optimistic and determined to beat this, and her positivity is reflected in this tune. The support she has from all of us around her is represented by the subtle Accordian and Piano accompaniment which supports the melody gently, but with fullness and strength, just as we support her.

14. Hornpipes 113 (The Foul-Tempered Witch
I wrote this tune after a heated argument with one of my best friends. She had gone so far off the deep end that I thought it only fitting to enshrine the moment eternally in song. Hopefully we'll still be friends after she sees this! ...Haha, gotcha back Jillie!!

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Ref: CDUN