Tapestry’s Variations is a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary offerings. It’s one of those recordings that grabbed my attention from the first song. I especially enjoyed the pauses in the opening of Simple Gifts, anticipating when she would be off and running with the familiar melody.

Denise Grupp-Verbon’s harp sings the melodies beautifully, while the accompaniment supports rather than dominates. Michael Grupp-Verbon’s guitar provides interesting counterpoint and harmonic richness. He really shines and shows off his stuff on their rendition of Let It Be.

Two of my favorite cuts are Moondance and 100 Years. Sometimes, instrumental versions of songs that are sung are lacking in impact and emotion. However, her mastery of syncopation and rhythm made these delightful and captured the essence of the moods intended. I have to confess that I play these two, and especially Moondance, over and over. I’m surprised the folks at work haven’t started yelling at me yet!

Variations will certainly be at the top of my personal play list for some time to come and will be one of those CDs that I recommend to others.

Table of Contents: Simple Gifts, Kathleen Ashore, Londonderry Air, Bally Loo Lammy, Moondance, Inisheer (Inis Siar), Scarborough Fair, Carolan’s Draught, Let it Be, Gartan Mother’s Lullaby, 100 Years, Glenlivet.