Reviews for CD A Portland Selection 2:
Contra Dance Music in the Pacific Northwest

A Portland Selection 2 has been featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered.

Hollis Taylor (Fiddler Magazine, Winter 2006/2007)

These tunes come from a more expansive music book, the second such compilation from Penk, Curley, and Songer. The contra dance tradition dates back over 200 years in America. The accompanying music drives the dancers up and down the dance floor, and there’s no question that these musicians are accustomed to playing live for dancers. Fidler Penk and crew all turn in exemplary performances. His bow arm articulation is remarkable as he shapes and propels a lively band sound. The quality of the recording is gorgeous as well. I liked it from beginning to end.

Tom Druckenmiller (Sing Out!, Fall 2006, Vol. 50 #3)

“A Portland Selection 2” features some of the tunes included in the book [The Portland Collection, Vol. 2]. Fiddler George Penk along with Susan on piano and Clyde Curley on a myriad on instruments, including guitar, octave mandolin and four string banjo, offer clear and uncluttered renditions of more than thirty of the tunes included in the book. Guesting on occasional guitar and spoons is Creighton Lindsay. This CD is a lively introduction to these tunes and includes selections from the French Canadian, irish and Old-Time traditions. It is a very worthwhile addition to your dance music collection even without ordering the book, but if you are a musician who plays or is learning to play dance music or just loves to follow the dancing notes, the book and CD combination will be invaluable.

Vic Smith (fRoots, July 2006, No. 277)

The accompanying CD [to The Portland Collection 2] shows the compilers to be fine, fiery musicians attacking the tunes with a great lift and a steady rhythm. This is real functional dance music rather than session music or fancy, arty arrangements. However, it is almost all reels so one finds oneself longing for a waltz, a slip-jig, a polka or even (whisper it) a nice steppy hornpipe. [See review by the same author on book review page for elucidation of this last remark.]

Alex Monaghan (The Living Tradition, Issue 70)

…the companion CD reveals their character [of the tunes in the Portland Collection, Vol. 2]: “Hey Little Girl” and “Walk Up Georgia Row” come alive to the mandolin and fiddle of Susan and Clyde, joined by jobbing fiddler George Penk.

Country Dance and Song Society News (CDSS, Issue 190 May/June, 2006)

This CD is a fine selection of contra dance tunes from the pages of “The Portland Collection, Volume 2”, edited by Susan Songer and Clyde Curley. Their immensely popular tune books (listed below) bring together tunes which are played by the musicians in the Portland, Oregon dance community. Pianist Songer, multi-instrumentalist Curley, with fiddler George Penk, have selected jigs, reels, hoedowns, rags and vintage marches from the Irish, Quebecois, Scottish, English, and American traditions. Some tracks lead with the fiddle; some lead with mandolin, octave mandolin or banjo; all are played in an upbeat, clean and fresh style. Some special treats include “Black Jack Grove/Shady Grove” with blues guitar by guest musician Creighton Lindsay, a live version of the Camp Meeting medley with three fiddles, and a lovely rendition of “MacLeod’s Farewell” (aka The Wedding Reel).

See also reviews of A Portland Play Along Selection, companion CD to both volumes of The Portland Collection.