Which "Cottars" version?

[garthmoe]

Well I guess summer has taken its toll on the forum. We've not been too lively. I looked at the forum stats and realized it's been six years since the "old" Cottars broke up. This got me to wondering which version of the Cottars do you prefer. I realize that it may be hard to choose since the "new" Cottars have put out only one album and don't seem to tour as much.
Personally, I prefer the "old" Cottars, but I'm sure I'm prejudiced in that view. I loved their youthful enthusiasm and their freshness. Also they put out three albums, and, I saw them in concert 4 or 5 times. The "new" group is probably better technically since it is a more mature group, but I really enjoyed the "old" group more. So what's your choice?

[Joe]

Hi, Garth

Yes, it's quite true that it's been one slow summer on the forum. Ciaran has been busy with his acting, Fiona's been quiet...occasionally selling items in the Etsy website, Claire is most likely pursuing an undergraduates degree, and Bruce doing some off-the-cuff guitar gigs.

Next week will mark seven years since I attended The Cottars' concert in Norwich, NY. And listening to that Merlefest '06 concert made my answer to your question, Garth, quite clear.

I suppose my liking of the original Cottars line-up has to do with relative youthfulness of the group. One can say that they were somewhat unpolished, to a point, but each young member carried a huge talent, which became evident when the first note was sung or played.

Not to say the current arrangement is any the weaker, for Bruce has decades of musical prowess. Claire, vibrant and strong, rightly chose to carry on with her studies. Some sources list Claire as having hung up her fiddle and left the group in need of a replacement. Rachel Davis has been doing just that recently.