"Newfoundland free spirits Jim Payne and Fergus O'Byrne sang a polished and thoroughly professional set of sailing tunes, original and older shanties, a stirring performance by two of the best folk musicians on the East Coast." -- Stephen Pedersen, The Chronicle-Herald, The Mail Star, Halifax (Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival,)
"They (Payne and O'Byrne) bring an obvious love and affinity for traditional song to this finely-balanced though varied collection, and their individual contributions mesh seamlessly...... a treat for the academic, the enthusiast and any interested listener. It certainly is for this writer!" -- Tom Lewis, The Canadian Folk Music Bulletin de musique folklorique canadienne.
"....songs wouldn't sound out of place at any kitchen party in the region....O'Byrne and Payne handle all the instruments and vocals with practiced skill....straightforward arrangements and performances a welcome change....standouts here are too numerous to mention." -- Curtis Rumbolt, The Express, St. John's, NL
"...great new disc....great singers...lively arrangements....Payne's original songs...are fine additions to the storehouse of occupational songs and have the taste of salt spray on them to boot....satisfyingly rough and hearty. Great stuff, b'ys!" -- Steve Winick, Dirty Linen, USA
"....well known names in Newfoundland folk circles....full-bodied singing on shanties.... impressive.... fulfills promise.... strong ballad singing.... anthemic choruses stay lodged in brain cells....excellent compilation of Newfoundland sea faring songs." -- John O'Regan, Rock 'n Reel, Ireland
"....strong voices.... rollicking sea shanties.... major local talent." -- Kelly Davis, Clarenville Packet, NL
"...splendid addition to the recorded music of the Maritimes...their own compositions (are) solidly within the tradition...arrangements are well-balanced and support the strong vocals...great choice for listening, collecting new songs or learning about the culture of the Maritimes." -- Sing Out!, USA
Credits:
All Songs Traditional Except: Rig Workers Alphabet by Jim Payne (Socan) Cape Breton Silver by Allister MacGillivary (Cabot Trail Music, Socan) Wave Over Wave by Jim Payne & Janis Spence (Socan)
Fergus O'Byrne Vocals, Banjo, Bodhran,Concertina, Guitar, Tin Whistle Jim Payne Vocals, Accordion, Fiddle, Guitar, Tin Whistle Arrangements by Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne Cover Concept by Jim Payne and Fergus O'Byrne
Layout & Design by Robert Buck Maps Courtesy of The Center for Newfoundland Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland Photos by Justin Hall
Recorded at Audio Garden May-June 1995 Engineered by Rick Hollett Produced by Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne
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