Two great CDs came across my ears recently, and, what a coincidence, the artists who created them will be performing together in Brattleboro this Saturday.
Matt and Shannon Heaton have a keen sense for taking traditional Irish/folk tunes and spicing them with contemporary rhythms, sounds and soul. Their 2006 CD "Blue Skies Above" is just plain fun to listen to and features fine musicians Sam Amidon (a Brattleboro boy on banjo and fiddle), Laura Cortese (vocals), Paddy League (drums), Jamie McClennan (fiddle) and Emily Smith (accordion).
Lissa Schneckenburger, a Brattleboro-area musician, dropped a copy of her 2005 eponymous CD, and it's a beaut. Hers is a more traditional sound, but it's no less fun to hear. The CD shows a high degree of musicianship, with a little help from Brattleboro-based bassist Corey DiMario, Stefan Amidon (another Amidon) on percussion, local musician Keith Murphy on guitar and mandolin and the Heatons, as well as Natalie Haas, Eric Merrill and Ted Davis.
The Heatons and Lissa Schneckenburger will be sharing the Hooker-Dunham stage in Brattleboro on Saturday night. Tickets are $14 general, $12 for students and seniors. Call 802-254-9276. For information about the musicians, visit www.lissafiddle.com or www.eatsrecords.com.