CD Review: ROCKY GUTTMANN – Rocky’s Road To Dublin

ROCKY GUTTMANN

Rocky’s Road To Dublin

The
Mad Lady & Me – The Liffy Ferry – The Garden Song – Black &
Tans – Fields of Anthenry – Spaniel Hill – Botany Boy – Past The Point
of Rescue – Danny Boy – The Old Dun Cow – Streets Of London – The Irish
Rover

I have a
great deal of respect and admiration for ‘folk’ music, especially the
folk that sing ‘folk’ music.  Rocky Guttmann is one of those fascinating
artists that brings ‘stories’ back to music, and in this case a most
magnificent acoustic musical instrument experience.  Right off the bat,
this young guy is a great guitarist using a 6-string Takenini.  Rocky
has a very nice gentle Irish ‘brogue’ in his voice, and his songs,
especially his originals are truly remarkable.  “Molly” seems to be a
loving Irish girl’s name, and Rocky knows just how to use that.  “If you
ever loved me Molly, love me now.”  Wow what a simple statement of
love, and he sings it like it’s real…..and it is.  Rocky is one of
those terrific folk singers and songwriters who makes his home in
Washington DC, and is one of the most popular Irish vocalists in that
entire area.  The ‘guitar’ sounds throughout this easy to listen to CD
are truly ingenious and played incredibly well.  The ‘blending’ of the
strings is what makes good acoustic music sound so good.  You can’t
really do that with electrified instruments, the really blessed and true
sound of the wood and strings that make up acoustic instruments, is
altered too much by the electronic controls and non-controllable
exterior sound.  Rocky has a very pleasant relationship with his guitar,
and his fingers know when and where it sounds best of all.  Together
they present a love affair not often found so beautifully done.  Even
politics enters Rocky’s storytelling, especially on “Black & Tans”
which has some remarkable ‘rhyming’ abilities.  I believe “Danny Boy”
and “The Irish Rover” iare probably the only songs on this album that
Rocky did not write.  My own experiences performing in Ireland,
especially North Ireland where Danny Boy was written, brings back so
many very fond memories of working with the Irish, especially those that
‘make’ music.  I also like the names of pubs in Ireland, and Rocky
presents a really good ‘historical’ approach with a pub named “The Old
Dun Cow.” It’s a totally complete listening experience to hear this
young guy keeping ‘tradition’ alive and well.  Thank you Rocky for a
very nice listening experience.

RECORD REVIEW BY BOB EVERHART, President National Traditional Music Association, for Country Music News International

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