First CD Review
Art Edelstein reviewed ‘One Clear Moment’ for the Arts section of the Times Argus (Montpelier, VT), published Friday, June 1st, 2007:
“Vermont’s newest acoustic group, Wagtail, has released its first album,
One Clear Moment. This fine CD could propel this quartet to national attention, should they choose to go that route.
“Wagtail’s members have some serious talent […]
“If there is a defining theme running through this album its one of brooding with an undercurrent of musical tension. The brooding comes from the use of minor key themes and fiddle drones. The tension comes from the interplay of the instruments and the sense that here are four musicians who have melded into a band but have each kept their distinctive sense of self.
“For all their instrumental talent, Wagtail’s players never intrude on each other. If anything, the arrangements are spartan, with lots of room for the fiddle or the mandolin to take a lead. The men don’t overwhelm the women, and the women don’t tone down their male counterparts. What one gets is a very balanced set of tunes.
“Beyond the fine performances here is a very nice sounding recording. Stykos has emerged as a talented recording engineer and this project was recorded at her home with her hand on the recording console.
“In all, Wagtail has produced a first effort that is already mature and finely honed. While this band may be not more than a year old, it sounds as if they have been spiritually together for a long time.”