Weatherwood: Bozeman trio releases self-titled CD

Published: November 2, 2009

The self-titled CD from the new Bozeman folk trio contains the well-seasoned work of three instrumentalists.  

Fiddle- and Celtic harp-player Tom Robison is a veteran of many bands, as well as the Bozeman Symphony, and has several albums to his credit. He teaches fiddle, harp and violin at his studio. Steve Marty (classical and steel-string guitars, mandolin) and Lindsay Turnquist (hammered dulcimer, bouzouki and bodhran) are alums of the Montana Mandolin Society as well as other groups.

Together, they perform their own compositions alongside some traditional old-time tunes and Irish jigs. The recording starts off with a set of jigs, “Dusty Windowsills/Out on the Ocean,” that has an Americana feel. The pretty original by Marty (“Late Night, Pole Line Road”) has ringing guitar work and haunting dulcimer from Turnquist. Next comes a great rendition of two old bluegrass tunes, “Elzic’s Farewell” and “June Apple.” Fiddle and dulcimer lead it, and Marty contributes a bit of syncopated rhythm to the mix.

The harp brings a hint of water music to the minor-keyed “Bear Canyon Jig.” Liner notes say Marty composed it on paper and when the other fellows found out how difficult it was to play, they made him learn it with them. It’s coupled with the fine Irish workhorse of a jig, “Scatter the Mud.”

One tune all three collaborated on, “Ice Fall,” sounds like it wrote itself during extended jamming.

Robison reprises his soaring versions of “Ramblin’ Pitchfork” and “Top o’ Cork Road” from his “Many Hats” album, and there’s a swingy finger-picker, Marty’s “String with Cats.” Some oddly raucous rhythm accompanies the old-time reels, “Fly All Around My Pretty Little Miss/Ol’ Joe Clark.” The last cut, a piece by Marty called “A Minor Setback,” is moody and floating, sounding like drawing-room music. You can guess the key.

Robison seems to have settled into a bouncy, silky style that works well and is powered by that rich tone and superb phrasing. It’s clear and clean, free of much ornamentation, and shaded toward old-time inflections. His harp playing is similarly adept. Marty’s guitar work is stellar and soulful. Ditto for Turnquist’s chops. Exquisite production from Chris Cunningham at Base Camp Studio in Bozeman adds to the musical excellence.

Visit the group at www.weatherwoodtrio.com.

– Mariss McTucker