What listeners are saying…
“‘Out on the Ocean’ celebrates the wonderful diversity of fiddle tunes from North America, Scotland, and Ireland. . . . The bonus for me is the clarity and elegance of Ray Frank’s guitar accompaniment on every track (a generous eighteen) giving the songs and tunes a smooth continuity and grounding that is both subtle and inspirational. Linda’s moderately paced fiddle style is clear and distinctive, with a clarity of expression that breathes new life into old tunes, and with plenty of changes in texture and tempo. . . . This is a lovely album from Linda and Ray with a style that is both unhurried yet invigorating, and is a very welcome addition to my music collection.””
— SHAY BLACK, Irish Singer/Guitarist
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"Really great fiddle playing in a unique blend of styles. Some flashes of Old-Time, Shetland, and Irish supported wonderfully by a tasteful finger-picking guitar. Mellow, laid back feel and some great waltzes on here too, unfortunately rare these days."
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer
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“Linda Keen and Ray Frank have put together a wonderful blend of traditional Celtic jigs, reels, airs, and waltzes as well as old-timey traditional Americana tunes combined in a masterful interplay of fiddle and guitar playing. You owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of this fabulous musical experience that has you feeling that you are on a wonderful calming and uplifting journey.”
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer
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“Listening to this lovely CD of Guitar/Fiddle duets reminds me how relaxing and enjoyable music can be. The liner notes reveal that the songs come from a variety of countries and eras - from 19th Century Great Britain to the American South at the turn of the 20th Century. All are skillfully played without unnecessary flash and are a joy to listen to.”
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer
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"Like the famous Time Lord's magical call box, Linda Keen and Ray Frank's beautiful "Out on the Ocean" takes me places far away in time and location. The very helpful insert tells a bit about each song, many of which date from an era long past, yet every one of them resonates with my Celtic heart and will, I believe, touch something in you as well. Some of the music is joyous, almost rowdy, while other tunes are so reflective it's easy to get lost in them. All are performed and recorded with great art and skill."
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer
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"Find a comfortable place to sit, perhaps with something smooth and smoky at hand, and treat yourself to a trip Out on the Ocean. The world seems a better place from there. This album has earned a permanent place in my music library."
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer
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"This is a great Celtic (folk music) CD that is easy listening and great to put on with incense and while preparing food. Quite pleasing you might as well hit replay while dining as well. Keen provides beautiful arrangements of fiddle and lends her voice masterfully to this album. The guitar playing from Frank further compliments the arrangements. The pieces will easily take you Scotland, Ireland, Wales, or Northern England even if you haven't been there."
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer
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"Fiddler and Singer Linda Keen accompanied by guitarist Ray Frank give us a fantastic CD of Celtic and folk songs. We get a selection of instrumental as well as sung pieces. These songs will set your feet tapping and your body moving. There are a several jigs and dance numbers as well as traditional pieces that are great for listening to while mellowing out. Keen and Frank play very well together; their harmonies blend to produce a fresh sound for old songs."
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer
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"This lovely CD is beautifully displayed and designed to include a booklet about the musicians and vocalist in the sleeve. The music on the CD is soothing and comforting at times. It’s light music in the folk style. You will enjoy the CD if you like music that speaks to the heart and soul."
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer
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"I loved the meandering journey of this musical duo's violin and guitar "old-time" tunes, evoking the storytelling and rhythms of an earlier time and place. I felt as though I could be sitting and listening to musicians of old times at any outdoor festival in Europe or the Americas. I appreciate how the insert was thorough in providing details as to the origin of each song. I greatly enjoyed being Out on the Ocean and look forward to many more enjoyable moments!"
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer
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"Superior sounds that hark back to the best of Celtic harmonies without being constrained to only a single source. A marvelous mood enhancer for relaxation and a challenging listening experience all in one. Recommended."
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer
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"I enjoyed this album, which has a variety of folk and Celtic pieces that are relaxing to hear. A simple set of songs without a lot of pumped-up background instrumentation or voices. Great music for a lazy day at home."
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer
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“I used to listen to a ton of female folk artists back in the 1980s and 1990s who performed a combination of traditional and modern songs. I’m not sure why I moved away from the genre because listening to this lovely CD of guitar/fiddle duets reminds me how relaxing and enjoyable music can be. The liner notes reveal that the songs come from a variety of countries and eras—from 19th century Great Britain to the American South at the turn of the 20th century. All are skillfully played without unnecessary flash and are a joy to listen to. My husband, an accomplished [and classically trained] guitarist, expressed admiration for the musicianship as well.”
— Amazon Five-Star Reviewer