Susan Toman
Canadian born musician Susan Toman is a Celtic harpist, harpsichordist, and pianist who has gained widespread recognition as a performer, teacher, and recording artist. Holding a Doctorate in music, she is active as a solo and chamber music performer of concerts, weddings and other events. Susan teaches music in her home studio in Ottawa, Ontario, and is also available for online lessons.
Canadian born musician Susan Toman is a Celtic harpist, harpsichordist, and pianist who has gained widespread recognition as a performer, teacher, and recording artist. Holding a Doctorate in music, she is active as a solo and chamber music performer of concerts, weddings and other events. Susan teaches music in her home studio in Ottawa, Ontario, and is also available for online lessons.
NEW CD ALBUM, JUST RELEASED!
"The Castle", featuring Susan Toman, Justin Theriault, and Kyle Burghout
Review by Alex Monaghan:
Irish music from the middle of Canada: whatever next? We hear more about the Scottish traditions preserved by our Canadian cousins, but there's a great Irish legacy too and these three young musicians have tapped into it big time. Playing together around Ottawa and Toronto since 2019, although Kyle is now based in Winnipeg, the trio has also absorbed music from the best sources in New York, Clare, Galway and Limerick to name but a few. This is their debut recording, with Toman on harp, Thériault on whistles and flute, and North American Irish Fiddle Champion Burghout doing what he does best. Old tunes claim the lion's share of The Castle, and rightly so: there are some great ones here, from The Green Mountain to Donnybrook Fair and all points in between.
A couple of nice Joe Bane barndances, Redican's Mother and a relaxed version of The Tar Road to Sligo, the version of Lady Ann Montgomery which I am familiar with, and a great set of reels starting with The Tap Room were among the highlights for me. It's all good, and full of spark and variety. A few tracks change tempo or rhythm, and the flute and fiddle take turns to lead. Susan's harp is usually accompanying but it comes to the fore on two gorgeous slow airs: the neglected Carolan classic Bridget Cruise Number 4, and the Scottish song tune Tha M’aigne fo Ghruiam. All the best Irish albums have a Scottish tune! As if that wasn't enough, Justin switches to the uilleann pipes for a pair of fine old hornpipes, and Kyle plays a waltz and a lilting Canadian-Scottish jig of his own composition. Not too many of the pieces here have known composers: Paddy O'Brien and John McEvoy get a credit, and the title track starts with a Sean Ryan jig, but most of this CD is music from a nameless spring, well loved and well played. © Alex Monaghan
NEW CD ALBUM, JUST RELEASED!
"The Castle", featuring Susan Toman, Justin Theriault, and Kyle Burghout
Review by Alex Monaghan:
Irish music from the middle of Canada: whatever next? We hear more about the Scottish traditions preserved by our Canadian cousins, but there's a great Irish legacy too and these three young musicians have tapped into it big time. Playing together around Ottawa and Toronto since 2019, although Kyle is now based in Winnipeg, the trio has also absorbed music from the best sources in New York, Clare, Galway and Limerick to name but a few. This is their debut recording, with Toman on harp, Thériault on whistles and flute, and North American Irish Fiddle Champion Burghout doing what he does best. Old tunes claim the lion's share of The Castle, and rightly so: there are some great ones here, from The Green Mountain to Donnybrook Fair and all points in between.
A couple of nice Joe Bane barndances, Redican's Mother and a relaxed version of The Tar Road to Sligo, the version of Lady Ann Montgomery which I am familiar with, and a great set of reels starting with The Tap Room were among the highlights for me. It's all good, and full of spark and variety. A few tracks change tempo or rhythm, and the flute and fiddle take turns to lead. Susan's harp is usually accompanying but it comes to the fore on two gorgeous slow airs: the neglected Carolan classic Bridget Cruise Number 4, and the Scottish song tune Tha M’aigne fo Ghruiam. All the best Irish albums have a Scottish tune! As if that wasn't enough, Justin switches to the uilleann pipes for a pair of fine old hornpipes, and Kyle plays a waltz and a lilting Canadian-Scottish jig of his own composition. Not too many of the pieces here have known composers: Paddy O'Brien and John McEvoy get a credit, and the title track starts with a Sean Ryan jig, but most of this CD is music from a nameless spring, well loved and well played. © Alex Monaghan