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Bluegrass and Beyond

Songs: Big Bear(John Arcand) Sally Ann (traditional) Ashokan Farewell (Jay Unger) Devil's Dream (traditional) Medley (traditional) Memories of Shetland (Carol Dawson) Bile 'em Cabbage Down (traditional) Blackberry Blossom (traditional) Tennessee Waltz (traditional) Pictou Island Reel (Cec McEachern) Goodbye Liza Jane (traditional) Golden Memories April Verch) Before the Sunrise (Calvin Volrath) Flowers of Edinborough (traditional) Wheel Hoss ( Bill Monroe)

Robyn's youth belies a talent usually reserved for more mature players. After all, how

by Julie Koeler - Bluegrass Now, Rolla MO, U.S.A. Robyn Jesson is a young (11 years old) Canadian fiddle player who makes her recording debut with bluegrass and beyond. And what a debut it is! This is so far beyond being merely a "cute kid album" that, had her picture not been on the cover, her age would never have entered my mind. These are wonderful instrumentals, all in the bluegrass fiddle stable (the "and beyond" covers the

Celtic-flavored "Flowers of Edinborough," classic country's "Tennessee Waltz," and the like), performed by Robyn and friends. John Reischman adds exquisite mandolin touches throughout; additional musicians include Robyn's dad, Jim on guitar, Craig

many years could she have been at this? But her execution of the lively "Pictou Island Reel" is flawless and up-to-speed. No one makes allowances for this young lady; she sets the pace, others dash to keep up. Her tone is good, her timing solid, her interpretation evocative and emotional on poignant pieces ("Ashokan Farewell"), bright and bouncy on lively tunes ("Devil's Dream," "Wheel Hoss"). Keep your eye on Robyn Jesson; she's a winner!