Chris Newman & Maire Ni Chathasaigh

Heartstring Sessions

The Living Wood

Live in the Highlands

Out of Court

Firewire

Agallaimh

The New Strung Harp
(Maire Ni Chathasaigh solo)
Also available to download

Carolan Albums:
The Music of Turlough O Carolan
Also available to download

Chris Newman

Still Getting
Away With It

Chris Newman
Vol 2

Fretwork

Reviews

Chris Newman: Still Getting Away With It
Old Bridge Music: OBMCD19
This CD (and its title) is a nod to Chris Newman's 40-year career as a fine guitarist, mandolinist, and composer. It's structured as a musical autobiography, in which Newman charts the musical styles and personalities that have shaped his playing.
There's a fine swing to Newman's playing, as you'd expect from someone influenced by Diz Disley, and who's played alongside Stéphane Grappelli. He brings this panache to a number of musical styles. Here there are rags and straightforward 12-bar romps (Not Likely! is a Grappelli-ish number with Simon Mayor). His swing jazz sits happily with traditional Irish, Quebecois and American tunes, and his own pieces also show the influence of West African, Spanish, and Scandinavian music.
He not only revisits pieces from his past, but welcomes aboard some wonderful guest musicians of the calibre of Mayor, brother Mark, Nollaig Casey, Arty McGlynn, and long-time partner Máire Ní Chathasaigh. This isn't the kind of CD I'd normally reach for, but Newman's playing has quality stamped all over it. At its best it has an exuberant joy that is a delight.
Paul Cowdell
Review from Folk London - December 2010