Dirty Linen, Issue 77, August/September 1998
The 10-string Greek bouzouki is a fairly recent addition to Celtic music, having been introduced only a generation ago by Johnny Moynihan and Andy Irvine. Whereas the bouzouki is often used for accompaniment, Roger Landes is among the first to play is as a lead. The ex-Scartaglen instrumentalist plays the mandolin's big brother as a piper or fiddler would - with all the traditional decoration and drive as the ensembles' lead voice. Not an easy feat if you consider its cable-thick strings and the greater physical effort required to play it. Among the renowned peers joining Landes are John Whelen (accordion), Zan McLeod (guitar), and former bandmates Mike Dugger (fiddle), Chris Grotewohl (banjo), and vocalist Connie Dover. Together, they scintillate through a rousing set of traditionals and modern traditionals that makes this self-produced gem rival anything heard on a major label. With its flawless production that lets you hear each part intimately, Dragon Reels has the trappings of a Celtic cult record.
PitchWeekly, Issue 471, May 22, 1997
The ten-stringed Greek instrument known as the Bouzouki in generally not associated with traditional Irish and Scottish music. You're more apt to hear it in a Greek restaurant that an Irish pub. Yet area musician Roger Landes, working off the inspiration of a few groundbreaking Irish musicians, has adopted it as his instrument of choice on Dragon Reels, and it's amazing what he can do with it. The Bouzouki's warm but biting tone falls somewhere between the guitar and a mandolin. In Landes' skillful hands it sings as a lead instrument or provides a hearty backbone when supporting others.
Dragon Reels was recorded in Nashville by Grammy Award-winning producer Bil VornDick, who has worked with Alison Krauss and Bela Fleck, to name a couple. It is Landes' first solo recording, though he was previously heard frequently as a member of Scartaglen, a rather successful area Celtic folk group. He brought along fellow Scartaglen member Connie Dover to sing on the excellent "The Devil and the Farmer's Wife," and she contributes piano on several other numbers. But Dover is not the only musician who helps Landes on the record. John Whelen's accordion and Zan McLeod's extra guitars add immeasurable depth to Dragon Reels.
The arrangements of traditional and contemporary songs also show further hints of Landes' prowess, as do his own two originals. As it is, the musicians led by Landes spin through some interesting music with joyful abandon and obvious skill, resulting in a record that will equally reward the serious folk fan and first-time listener.
Crossroads, August/September 97
The title, Dragon Reels, is surely a clue-this is an album that passes into a realm outside of the ordinary. The album showcases the bouzouki wizardry of Roger Landes, former member of the now-disbanded Celtic music group, Scartaglen.
Since its introduction into the Irish music in the 1960's, the Greek bouzouki has often been used for chordal accompaniment. Here, Roger Landes recasts it into a powerful melodic role. Deeper and more robust than a mandolin, with a percussive, almost gritty edge at times, its voice is lower than typical melody instruments such as fiddle or flute. Led by the bouzouki, these arrangements of traditional Irish, Cape Breton and newly composed tunes take on a striking and unusual texture that sets them apart from many other interpretations of fiddle tunes. Parts of Dragon Reels seem to naturally lean to darker, modal melodies, for example the jig "Johnny the Jumper." There are contrasting light moments-a stately slow air on guitar, an uplifting version of Kitty's Wedding and unexpected rhythmical twists and turns like those in the reel Tamlin. Joining Roger on this album are guitarist Zan McLeod, John Whelen on accordion, and Connie Dover on vocals and keyboards. Former Scartaglen members Chris Grotewohl, Mike Dugger and several other talented musicians contribute, as well. This is a refreshing and well-played collection of traditional music with unique punch.