Contra music blends traditional tunes from Celtic, French, and American cultures with its own special foot stompin' magic. It presents a rich folk experience in a way that's easy to appreciate. There are many bands in the US that play for contra dances and record their own contra CDs. Music from these recordings is often heard at our dances. You can find some of these CDs at the links below.
Contra music CD's are available at these sites: (You can also find contra music on Itunes, CD Baby and more)
I personally recommend these albums:
Cloud Nine by Airdance (available here) Cloud Nine is easily one of the best contra dance albums, featuring an excellent variety of instruments and styles. Led by acclaimed master fiddler Rodney Miller, Airdance has a strong American country influence. The upbeat tunes are full of life and spirit, and the light percussion will get your toe tapping in no time.
The Best of Wild Asparagus (available from iTunes and here) Wild Asparagus is one of the most acclaimed contra dance bands. Their Celtic-influenced music is exiting and sometimes even exotic. From all their tours in the US, they know how to get dancers not only moving but also hollering with delight. This CD has selections from their 5 albums.
Dancing Again by Great Bear Trio (available from iTunes and here) Prepare yourself for some exhilarating, energetic New England and progressive contra music. Some of the tracks employ unusual intruments for a modern flair, but overall the CD retains a traditional flavor. The vibrant fiddling, jivin' piano rhythms, and ethnic percussion give these catchy tunes a lot of attitude.
Three by Nightingale (available from iTunes and here) Nightingale is a very skilled group that plays some of the most expressive and refined New England and Canadian contra music you'll ever hear. This masterpiece of an album is beautiful and powerfully moving. |