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In the first chapter, the idea of a pan-Celtic form of music is presented and discussed. A number of errors in fact and interpretation mar her presentation. She chooses, for the earlier chapters, a nonchronological exposition that sometimes may bewilder the reader. Skinner Sawyers is less persuasive when she attempts to set the stage for these later developments by delving into the history of traditional music and its revival in the twentieth century there, the analysis and details are more sketchy, and her narrative becomes difficult to follow. These chapters are the strongest parts of the book. The latter chapters of the book, which deal with the influence of Irish, Scottish, and English music on the development of such American genres as rock, blues, bluegrass, musical theater, and the current movement that fuses traditional idioms with folk and rock sensibilities, offer solid writing and analysis. Her grasp of the modern musical scene is sure, and her commentary persuasive and accurate. Her musical taste is impeccable, and the accompanying notes to each recording or video show that she can well place each work into its proper historical context and relate it to other works of the time or genre. Her expertise shows most clearly in the lists of recommended recordings and videos that end each of the ten chapters of the book. Skinner Sawyers is an accomplished writer on contemporary music of Britain and and Ireland. Novices will delight in her encyclopedic approach, but scholars might be disturbed by the occasional errors and misapprehensions that arise in an attempt to bring such an unruly subject under one tent. June Skinner Sawyers does manage to meet the needs of these quite different audiences. Although the audience for such a volume must include those who, only lately smitten by this sort of music, are interested in learning more about its history, influences, and practitioners, it would also need to be useful to musicians and scholars who demand depth and insightful commentary. $18.00.Īny volume that purports to provide a "complete guide" to a subject as varied and voluminous as music of the Celtic countries must be viewed with a degree of skepticism, particularly if the volume can easily be held in one hand. From Ancient Roots to Modern Performers: The Music of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Beyond, by June Skinner Sawyers, pp. In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content: