Short Reviews [Fernwood - 2015 - “Arcadia”]

“All music played by hand on instruments made out of wood” say the notes, which are quite brief, as I think this review can be. Gayle Ellett and Todd Montgomery have returned with their third instrumental FERNWOOD album, “Arcadia”. The Fernwood albums are like traveling to another country where the music is different, the product of another cultural history. Ellett & Montgomery take the listener to another place, not other worldly, but like some forgotten place on Earth, perhaps deep in a forest somewhere. Together they create a sort of progressive world music that is altogether pleasant and engaging, energetic in places, but also relaxing. Contemplative. “Arcadia” is like a continuance of what was produced in the previous two albums, rather than breaking any new musical ground. However, what continues to be harvested from the same creative soil is still very pleasant. Related reviews: here and here.