FreeFall ▪ Legend of the Land ▪ Dance of the Sandpiper ▪ Spirit of the Season
Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire Online Magazine:
"Meadowlark are Rick Cyge on acoustic guitar (and piano) and Lynn Trombetta on assorted flutes/whistles. Together (along with a great crew of accompanying musicians) they make some delightful acoustic music. Blending the more uptempo side of acoustic instrumentalists like Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel with a subtle undercurrent of jazz and world beat textures, but always leavening it with a healthy pop sensibility (making the album catchy as all get out), the two offer up a likeable and friendly mix of mostly lively tunes in an assortment of styles and tempos. Besides the aforementioned instruments, the guest artists contribute on drums, percussion, violin, bass, sax, dobro, and a small dose of keyboards. I was enchanted immediately by all of their expert musicianship and the incredible tightness of the assembled crew of players. I gather these people play together a lot and I'll just bet they kick some ass when they do!
Beginning with the rousing "Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart", the CD is off to a great start. Lynn's flute sways with a solid jazzy feel while the violin and guitar dance around the edges. The next cut is a slower midtempo number, "Serengeti", which introduces subtle world music shadings, but nothing that will send more conservative ears running for the "skip" button. The tune ahs a relaxed ambling feel to it, almost a sauntering pace, if you will. The dobro (courtesy of Kenny Skaggs) adds a nice wrinkle to the song. Drums are a highlight in the cut; they're really well placed in the mix. The title song is another slower number (but still quite rhythmic and midtempo, just the same). This one will definitely strike a chord with Tingstad and Rumbel fans (I can say that 'cause I'm one). But, please don't think that Rick and Lynn are clones of the Pacific Northwest duo. Far from it. The sound on Free Fall is more centered around the "band sound" than almost all of Eric and Nancy's releases are. Plus, Rick plays the guitar with more gusto than Tingstad usually does plus he contributes a free-wheeling sense of fun on some cuts. While there are slow moments on this album, as a band, Meadowlark are planted firmly in the realm of the upbeat and cheerful world of instrumental music.
One of the previously mentioned slower songs is the next cut, "Somebody Loves You", which is also the first cut to use synths (only for very subtle shading, i.e. subdued strings). Dobro and guitar mesh perfectly, along with a lovely flute melody line. "Prairie Serenade" is another more laid-back tune, but the rhythm and hand percussion places is closer to a rural rambling kind of song, as opposed to the romantic aspect of the previous cut. "Gratitude" and "Arizona Highways" are two songs that feature either a pared-down band (the former) or solo instrumental work (the latter). "Gratitude" is a piano melody, with background assistance from Lynn on low whistle and Allen Ames on violira. Several reviews (included in the album's press kit) mentioned a comparison between Meadowlark and Nightnoise and, on this song, that's an apt parallel to draw. The solo guitar number ("Arizona Highways") is, of course, a showcase for Rick's considerable talent as a fingerstyle player. It's a lively and highly listenable number.
Two more songs worth mentioning are the only two non-originals. The band performs a fresh interpretation of the Winter Consort classic tune, "Icarus". I love the song and I was overjoyed to hear them spin a different take on it, rather than performing it "safely" as a note-for-note homage. Finally, the album closes with a midtempo Irish number, "After the Fleadh", which, like a lot of Irish music, manages to sound sad even when it is in a midtempo rhythm. While the composition is definitely Irish, believe it or not, this does not sound at all like Nightnoise. It's much ore full-sounding and also more oriented around the guitar than the Windham Hill pioneers of Celtic-fusion ever seem to be.
What stands out for me on Free Fall is, first and foremost, the outstanding musical togetherness of Rick and Lynn, as well as the rest of the band members. In this way, they do resemble Tingstad and Rumbel. The musical feeling of "simpatico" is rare and this band has it in spades. In other words, these cats are tight! The other thing that impressed me was how great these songs are! While never sounding the least bit too commercial, Meadowlark still manages to make remarkably accessible music, nonetheless. Never "too" jazzy, just enough improvising to stay fresh, and just so damn "grin-inducing" this album is guaranteed to become a favorite of acoustic instrumental music fans. I can't recommend it highly enough to them.
Now I gotta find a way to get down to Arizona and see them play live. That'll be some concert! Until then, I guess Free Fall is staying in rotation on the ole CD player for the time being."
Dan Liss, New Age Voice Magazine:
"There are things about Meadowlark's style that remind me of Tingstad and Rumbel, among them the pairing of the guitar and wind instrument as the leading voices of the music, along with support from a wide array of other instruments like violin, percussion, piano, bass, and soprano sax. Similarly, they both have eclectic tastes in material and a preference for acoustic instruments. Meadowlark seems to change characters in chameleon-like fashion from song to song, showing a versatility that serves them well in creating a wide variety of compositions. "After the Fleadh" is, of course, Celtic, and their use of music to conjure images of places like "Serengeti" and "Arizona Highways" is interesting in its reliance on the guitar and flute to create the musical imagery, rather than employing ethnic instruments. The opening cut, "Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart" and the title cut both seem to contain an effervescence that cause the melody to bubble joyously, which is what happens when Cyge & Trombetta cut loose. One of the pleasant surprises, and a real pleasure to hear, is their cover of "Icarus", the melody by Ralph Towner that was the title of one of Paul Winter's best albums. This is a piece of music so widely quoted that you may recognize it from other uses, such as radio or film. Yet, they manage to perform it with as much dexterity and confidence as if it were one of their own compositions. Meadowlark's music is well played and makes for great easy listening."
T. J. McGrath, Dirty Linen Folk and World Music Magazine:
"With influences ranging from Celtic, African, and Mediterranean traditions, Meadowlark offers a palette of musical colors inspired by the desert and breathless wind of the southwest. More folky than new age, Meadowlark's spirit is restless and pure, with flutes, guitars, keyboards, percussion, and violin working in unison to create an invigorating selection of choice melodies and arrangements. Original songs include "Circle of Giants", "Arroyo Burro", "Creekspirit", and "Indigo Nights", evocative of Nightnoise or Montreux on a brilliant night."
Steve Ryals, New Age Retailer:
"Rick Cyge and Lynn Trombetta are the gifted musicians behind Meadowlark. Cyge plays guitar, and Trombetta contributes flute and pennywhistle. Meadowlark also includes Allen Ames, also with the William Eaton Ensemble, on mandolin, violin, and violira. Joe Garcia plays an incredible assortment of world percussion, while Andy Baade offers scintillating keyboards. These musicians are obviously comfortable playing with each other, gifting us with a host of memorable songs.
Favorites include the romantic 'Creek Spirit', with acoustic guitar, flute, and light percussion evoking the mystery and magic of wild places. Another is 'Love Like A River', a slow dreamy acoustic guitar piece that captures the spirit of the wild places. For those looking for the finest in contemporary instrumental music, look no further than 'Legend of the Land'."
Robert Walmsley, Omega Directory:
"Delicious flutes, energetic guitars, soaring keyboards, world percussion and other various instruments create a wonderfully uplifting, instrumental voyage inspired by the desert southwest. Joyous music that evokes soundscapes of breathtaking beauty, rich in vibrant color and abounding with life blesses the listener in every track, and a profound reverence is also found here that reflects a deep respect for the fragile nature of such beauty. Easily accessible to even the most discerning ear, 'Legend of the Land' could easily make Meadowlark a legend in their own time."
Pat Nugent, New Age Voice:
"'Dance of the Sandpiper' is a collection of peaceful and musically adventurous odes to the natural surrounding that we oftentimes take for granted. Meadowlark is Rick Cyge on acoustic guitars, mandolin, cittern and keyboards and Lynn Trombetta on flute and pennywhistle. Others join in on bass, percussion and violin. The result is an acoustic cornucopia of rich compositions with hummable melodies. 'Indian Summer' couples Cyge’s arpeggiated guitar chords with Trombetta’s serene and flowing flute playing. The duo pick up the pace on the title track, a happy ode to the sandpiper on the beach trying to flee the incoming waves. The light and airy 'Summer Solstice' tips a hat to James Taylor (heard on the radio on a sunny day at the beach). The duo travel to Galicia on 'Galitziana' while evoking their Celtic influences on 'Timeless Journey'. Cyge’s acoustic guitar works and Trombetta’s acumen on the flute and pennywhistle compliment each other. 'Dance of the Sandpiper' is a gentle and reflective acoustic journey that leaves the listener with a sense of calm and peace."
Adrien Rain, Whole Life Times:
"'Dance of the Sandpiper' is a dreamy, lighthearted collection of original tunes by the duo Meadowlark, which for all its New Age enchantment, retains sweet, strong folk roots and a palpable bond with nature. Meadowlark graciously acknowledges the birds, seashores and wild places that inspire their music, but even before I read their liner notes, I heard the birds that coast through their music without a trace of sound effects.
Intimate, softly rhythmic and always melodic, this is a CD to meditate on before a roaring fire this winter, and for many winters to come."
PJ Birosik, New Age Retailer Magazine:
"The beauty that surrounds us often goes unnoticed or ignored. This exquisite acoustic music helps the listener slow down and resonate in harmony with the pulse of nature. Eleven marvelous melodies led by flute, pennywhistle, and guitar are enhanced with Irish cittern, mandolin, violin, percussion, and more in an enticing sonic perfume that conjures images of flower-carpeted meadows, still azure pools and the drowsy days of an 'Indian Summer'. Soothing lullabies, lissome ballads and graceful slow dances mark Meadowlark’s style. The uncommonly gifted duo’s ability to create restorative instrumentals that also capture the imagination is rare, indeed, making this music a true treasure."
Rev. Robert Walmsley, Omega Directory:
"While attending the Robin Spielberg/Meadowlark concert at the Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale, I found myself captivated by the magical musical expressions of Meadowlark. With Rick Cyge on guitars and Lynn Trombetta on flute and pennywhistle, this duo draws from Celtic, folk, world, and new age influences to create a unique and uplifting sound that lifts the listener on the wings of song to the most joyous vistas of the heart. Reminiscent of Shadowfax or Nightnoise, Meadowlark’s music touches the heart with an ancient freshness that is not soon forgotten. Highly recommended to all."
Carol Wright, Writer - Music Reviewer, All-Music Guide:
"‘Dance of the Sandpiper’ is an easy-going, melodic tribute to nature. Cyge’s light and sophisticated fingerwork will remind some of the phrasing of guitarist William Ackerman. Trombetta’s flute (sometimes in harmonic overdubbed duets) is deliciously mellow while Gillespie’s warm bass lines support the whole like a cozy comforter. The tracks range in pace from a brisk walk, 'Shores of Albion' to a lively jog for the title track; from the introspective 'Indian Summer' and 'Blue Odyssey' to the sprightly Celtic jig, 'Timeless Journey'. 'Dance of the Sandpiper' is a ‘repeat-play’ for background music but you’ll find yourself being drawn to many special moments."
Robert Walmsley, Omega Directory:
"With sensual elegance and soulful finesse, Meadowlark captures the heart of the Christmas season and presents it to the listener in this gorgeous release. Treating traditional, contemporary, and original Celtic-inspired melodies with equal tenderness, this unique collection truly brings the 'Spirit of the Season' with it whenever and wherever it is played. Flutes, pennywhistle, guitar, mandolin, Irish cittern, piano, violin and gentle percussion create a soothing and relaxing musical space that is perfect for this or any season. A divine gift that I recommend very highly to all."
Anita Holladay, NAPRA Review:
"'Spirit of the Season' is clearly packaged as a seasonal offering, but after the opening 'Greensleeves', there's nothing Christmasy about the music - it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. What's more, this all-instrumental Celtic album will appeal to both mainstream and New Age listeners. It is simply beautiful, quite mellow music, nothing too moody, performed on primarily acoustic instruments. Lynn Trombetta plays flute and pennywhistle, while Rick Cyge spins out some nice melodies on guitar, mandolin, and Irish cittern. The duo, backed by a bit of percussion, violin, and piano, plays several original numbers and wraps things up with a slow version of a familiar O'Carolan planxty. A nice backdrop for a holiday party or a pleasant accompaniment to a peaceful day off around the house."
Thomas Blaney, Foothills Sentinel:
"Once in a great while there is an event that reaches beyond tired conventions and taps the deeper essence of the season in fresh new ways.
'Spirit of the Season' is the second CD release by the Scottsdale-based acoustic guitar, flute and percussion trio, Meadowlark, a shining example of the Valley's burgeoning and diverse music scene.
Primarily known for their Celtic-inspired, original instrumentals, guitarist Rick Cyge and flutist Lynn Trombetta begin their seventh year performing together in a richer, more compelling sound with the addition of world percussionist Joe Garcia.
They have long resisted fan requests for a 'Christmas album' aiming for something more inspired than merely new arrangements of old standards to be dusted off once or twice a year. 'Spirit of the Season' makes only one such concession with a soulful new rendition of 'Greensleeves'.
They hit their mark with the most satisfying intention of this genre, 'On an Evening Like This', a Cyge original that manifested spontaneously on stage. The rest of the tunes will take you on everyone's secret fantasy journey - a holiday season in which Wall Street and Madison Avenue are dirt roads.
Cyge's masterful classical fingerstyle and string tapping with open tuning on his choice Lowden instrument, evokes exquisitely rich tones. His own distinctive musical direction was profoundly colored by French guitarist Pierre Bensusan. The effervescent flute and pennywhistle of Lynn Trombetta intertwines with uncommonly joyous grace, taking this usually bucolic instrument pairing well beyond expectations.
With the recent addition of percussionist Joe Garcia, they achieve a much more universal appeal without sacrificing their overall direction. Cyge talks about entering the emerging genre of 'New World Music', that of making ancient influences current and incorporating elements of other musical cultures without the 'novelty' stigma."