Ladies of the Lake: "Follow Me Down"

Ladies of the Lake, based in the state of Maine, are a foursome of accomplished, musical women who have combined their talents to form a traditional Celtic band. Frequently we think of reels and jigs being played by sweaty men with whiskers and big stomping boots, but these traditional tunes are played with agility and feeling by these four lovely, accomplished women: Sharon Pyne on flute, whistle, bodhran and vocals, Ellen Gawler on fiddle and vocals, Maggie Ericson on button accordion, guitar and vocals, and Surya Mitchell on piano and vocals.

These ladies interpret traditional songs in their own unique way. Their playing is tight; their harmonies are true and their selection of tunes diverse – including some original music. One gets the distinct impression that one is listening to artists from the British Isles, not an American interpretation.

They have hundreds of miles and hours of musical training and experience among them. They have devoted their lives to playing music, as well as teaching children, performing at weddings and contra dances and giving their time to organizations dedicated to preserving traditional music. I get the feeling that these are the kind of ladies who reach for their instruments in their down time and play for the joy of it. They research new songs whenever they can and talk about music with colleagues, friends and musicians when they get a chance. There is something special about people who take the time to learn to play music well – for the sake of how it makes them feel or for how it makes others feel. It isn’t about getting rich (although that would help I’m sure) or being famous. It’s special when someone takes the time to learn and play an instrument well and thus concretely contributes to the beauty of the world. All the moments that notes are played and go out into the cosmos have a similar effect to the blooming of flowers, the flights of birds and the myriad displays of sunrises and sunsets that occur all over the globe every day. They may never be seen by anyone, but they weave the fabric of beauty that holds the world together.

I’ve been listening to their CD over and over for several days and have been trying to put my finger on what it is that I love about them. They make performing seem easy. They make me want to dance. One imagines the clatter of hobnail boots, and the flash of petticoats sashaying across a wooden floor.

I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Sharon, Ellen or Maggie. Surya Mitchell and I met in the first grade at the age of seven in upstate New York. I knew that Surya had immense musical talent when she played the piano for me back then, and also when Mrs. Murphy, our music teacher, praised her voice when she sang in the elementary school choir. It doesn’t surprise me to see her now in the company of such talented women creating this topnotch music.

Their CD, “Follow Me Down”, has a collection of 13 cuts, some of them rousing dance tunes and others story telling ballads. There’s a hilarious photo on the back of the CD of the submerged Lady of the Lake, her hand rising from beneath the water. Instead of gripping Excalibur, she is holding a violin.

I would recommend them if you’re looking for a superlative band to perform at your event. Pay them a lot of money. They’re worth it!