Quindecim

Issue date: 4/7/04 Section: Arts and Entertainment

Standing Room Only, the first solo album of Goucher student Eliot Grasso ´05, was released last month.

In his first solo album release, Goucher College junior Eliot Grasso dazzles listeners with masterful technique on par with the best in modern Irish music. Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Standing Room Only contains eleven tracks of traditional Irish dance music played on the uilleann pipes - the Irish bagpipes. He is joined by young fiddle greats Patrick Mangan and Jim Eagan as well as guitarists Zan McLeod and Andy Thurston, all of whom add their excellent musicianship to the album. Thurston's accompaniment can be heard especially well on the ninth track of the CD, in which Grasso delivers a rousing performance of the reel, "Barry's Trip to Paris." Grasso's quick, spirited playing also shines on the final track, in which he combines a popular Cape Breton tune with a pair of Irish reels. However, true mastery of Irish music lies in the slow airs, and Grasso truly exhibits the depth of his skill as a piper on the only air on the album, "The Satin Slipper" which he plays with haunting emotion.

As far as technical aspects are concerned, the album once again bears a high standard. The covers and liner notes are very well-designed, and the individual track information bites are interesting and informative to the listener. Additionally, master piper Robbie Hannan lends some kind words and musical notes about Grasso's playing that serve to delight and further inform the listener, regardless of their knowledge of Irish music. The mastering on the album is also very good, with Grasso always audible, but never at the expense of his accompanists.

In all, Grasso's first solo album does not disappoint. Featuring a wealth of traditional tunes and treating the listener to 4 original compositions, this album is highly recommended, and a must-have for any Irish music fan. For those unfamiliar with Irish music, this album would be a marvellous introduction.

Eliot Grasso will be performing at Goucher College's Haebler Chapel on Thursday, April 15th at 8:00pm. He will be accompanied by guitarist Andy Thurston and fiddler Jim Eagan. This concert is free and open to the public. CDs of his album Standing Room Only can be purchased here, through Grasso's personal site, or from Eliot himself.

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