Review - Three Quarter Ale - Intertwined
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Artist: Three Quarter Ale
CD: Intertwined
Bonnie writes: I am beyond excited about this album. I have been a Three Quarter Ale groupie since the first time I saw them at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. They describe their music as primarily Ren-rock, but there is Celtic goodness aplenty, so don’t fret. (Fret, ha! Look, a music pun.) Three Quarter Ale consists of Ariana Pellayle, Rosemary Quench, and Wicked Pete Speakeasy. Now, Pete cover up your ears, er, eyes, uh, skip this part, k? *I have girl crushes of an unusual size on both Ariana and Rosemary. They are unequivocally captivating in every way. These ladies were born to be entertainers and the rest of us should pretty much strew their way with flower petals wherever they go. Now someone uncover Pete’s eyes.* Wicked Pete adds his own inimitable flavor to the trio, which clearly could not get along without him. Oh, yeah, now that I’m finished drooling on the band, the album is Intertwined, and it’s shiny.
Intertwined includes traditional tunes, brilliant original songs, and adorable snippets of dialogue. Three Quarter Ale showcases ravishing harmony and adept musicianship that is organic and totally unforced. The variety of styles throughout the c.d. keeps things interesting and I’m always sad when the last track is over.
For unadulterated fun and happiness, you can’t beat this rendition of the trad song Three Drunken Maidens. Although considering some of the lyrics I have my doubts about the accuracy of the word maidens in the title.
The Old Orange Flute, DO NOT WANT. This hurts me ya’ll, it really does. It’s like finding out that Wicked Pete’s favorite beer is Natural Light or something. I’m too upset to say anything else.**
I love The Barmaid’s Tale, it is beautiful and hands down my favorite original song from the album. The lyrics are heartbreakingly passionate and the delivery is melancholy without being overindulgent. The interplay between the vocals, guitar, bass, and harp gives me chills down the back of my neck every time.
Now, I’ve never actually done LSD, but I’m pretty sure I had a flashback or some sort of episode while I was listening to It Was a Lover and His Lass - but in a good way. I think, it’s still sort of blurry.
I highly recommend Intertwined - there are albums that are fun to listen to once or twice, and then there are the ones that you find yourself coming back to over and over. This is definitely one of the latter. And, if you ever get the opportunity, SEE THIS BAND LIVE. You will not be sorry, they are first-class performers.
**I’m just kidding. Okay, I’m mostly just kidding, it’s only that if you cut me, I bleed green. I’m either Irish to the bone, or an alien, the jury is still out.
Mike gushes: In the interests of transparency, this is one of the few groups we’ve reviewed that I’ve actually seen live. I am also active on their forums. Three Quarter Ale are perennial favorites on the Pub Stage at the Georgia Renaissance Festival, and Bonnie and I saw them perform at the North Georgia Irish Festival, back when it was still running. I will try to limit my enthusiasm, and only review the music at hand, but if you ever get a shot at seeing them live, do it. It’s a great experience.
Three Quarter Ale describe themselves as Ren-Rock, combining music from the 17th century all the way to modern folk-rock. I can’t think of any better way to describe them, or I would have. Intertwined pretty much delivers on that promise, giving up a good mix of trad and original music, always taking full advantage of the members’ stunning individual talents.
One of my favorite things about Intertwined is that about every fourth track or so is some little snipped of dialogue, which are invariably funny, and give each member’s “character” a chance to show through. These almost make the whole thing feel like you’re sitting in a pub with them somewhere, getting to see the band goof around while they perform amazing music for you.
Musically, it’s almost impossible to be critical of these guys. Everything is polished, well-recorded, and done with the kind of artistry and care you would expect from master performers. Wicked Pete Speakeasy is a master of the guitar, and Ariana Pellayle is equally talented with a flute. Rosemary Quench will tell you she is only an intermediate player on the harp, but don’t let her modesty fool you. I am no fan of the harp in general, but she makes it beautiful, and she has a beautiful voice as well.
Picking favorites off this CD is like picking favorite children. You love them all equally, just in different ways. the major standouts for me, in nor particular order (that’s a lie) are The Stranger In The Pub, Old Orange Flute, The Barmaid’s Tale, and The Parting Glass. I could easily add five or more tracks to that list, but I guess I’ll let it stand. The Stranger In The Pub is a fantastic original tune, about a musical showdown in a pub, where the vanquished loser magically disappears. Apparently, Pete’s guitar playing has that affect on some people. Old Orange Flute, I think, is a bold choice for a Celtic act on this side of the pond, as we almost never hear Protestant songs over here, and this one is fun and clearly not entirely mean-spirited. The Barmaid’s Tale is another original, featuring a startlingly beautiful vocal performance by Ariana. As for The Parting Glass, I always love hearing this song, because it brings back fine memories of times spent with friends, and I’ve never heard anyone perform an uptempo version of it before, so this one gets full stars. Happy memories deserve happy music, I think.
I will end this will one little point of criticism. I didn’t much care for the (It was a)Lover and His Lass (Brewer’s Pub Jig Mix.) I have no doubt it was a blast to record and mix, but stylistically it’s WAY out there compared to the rest of the CD, and it just doesn’t work for me. Barring that one little hiccup, though, this CD is as close to perfect as a CD can be. It’s a must have, truly.
If you want more info about Three Quarter Ale, check out their website @ www.threequarterale.com, and if you would like to get your very own copy of Intertwined, you can always 
at CD Baby.
