In My Hands
In My Handsfinds Natalie MacMaster pushing out even further from the traditional Cape Breton-style fiddling of her lineage, offering up her most ambitious and engaging project to date. Beginning with the ethereal dance-beat-underscored title cut, MacMaster takes on vocals for the first time, approximating something quite unexpected and altogether charming:Lisa Germanomeets Rumi in a head-on collision of explosive sensuality and acid-funk ceilidh groove. Elsewhere the sprightly fiddle mistress plays ringmaster to a revolving all-star cast of musicians, including Irish accordionistSharon Shannon, fiery flamenco guitaristJesse Cook, Nashville fiddlerMark O'Connor, and bluegrass sweetheartAlison Krauss, who provides vocals on the crossover ballad "Get Me Through December." Despite MacMaster's envelope pushing, traditionalists need not fear; for every far-fetched "Flamenco Fling" or raving "Space Ceilidh" there's the bittersweet restraint of "The Farewell" or the simple fiddle and step-dance exuberance of "Mom's Jig." More fun than a barrel of monkeys, this set will find a wide audience.--Paige La Grone