Barley Rigs CD by Broceliande © 2004 (available from www.flowinglass.com) $17.50 For those folks who appreciate good medieval-inspired music Broceliande has been a gem. They have produced (in association with the independent distributor Flowinglass Music) a series of seasonal-themed CDs. This autumnal collection completes the cycle. Three of the four are available from www.flowinglasscom (unfortunately "Gathering May" is sold out at this time. Not all of the lyrics are easily understandable - some are in French and some are in Middle English which can present a challenge to understanding. Add to that the fact that the liner notes are not complete (some verses are not included) and it means that, if you want to understand everything you will have to pay attention. But, that is not a bad thing in and of itself. It is also possible simply to pop in this CD, sit back with a cup of herbal tea (or good brown ale) and enjoy the sweet sound of these dedicated musicians. These songs, dominantly concerned with the harvest, sweep you along from the local pub to the drawing chamber of the local gentry. There is a little something for everyone on this disc. Now that they have completed their season cycle, perhaps we can look forward to a cycle dedicated specifically to the Sabbats. I know I would be amongst the first in line for a chance to add those to my collection. If you have seen my recent reviews you know that I have been encouraging the sup****t of this group and of Flowinglass Music (the independent distributor responsible for bringing them to my attention). I cannot say it enough - if you enjoy their work let them know, and tell your friends. It is all too easy fro small enterprises to suc***b to a lousy economy. Let's not lose a valuable resource such as this.
