Peter & Wendy (1997 Original Cast Members)
The soundtrack to a staged version of J.M. Barrie's classicPeter Pan, this has some marvelous compositions and fiddle playing from formerSilly Wizardman Johnny Cunningham, along withSolas'sSeamus Eganand fellow Alula artistsJamshied Sharifiand singerSusan McKeown. Cunningham is so well versed in the Scots tradition that his original material sounds as if it should be part of the tradition. His playing throughout is never less than exquisite, a reminder that the man truly is a virtuoso--which is also true of McKeown's vocals. The songs, obviously, pertain to the story, but even so, they shine with sheer class and arealCeltic feel, setting them apart from the wannabes and Celtoids that have crept out of the woodwork in recent years. Add to that a beautiful boxed presentation, and you have a complete winner.--Chris Nickson