Many artists find that they aren't satisfied with their first recording effort. Still, one presses onwards, accepting the well wishes and support of fans and trying to put those bad feelings behind them. Unless you are Queen's Gambit and undertake one of the boldest moves thinkable and re-record your debut album and offer replacement CDs to your fans. Thus, Queen's Gambit released "Opening Move - Take Two."

A real standout track on this CD is "Banks of the Lee". The instruments and voices intertwine to delightful effect and carry with them such a feeling of heart-wrenching longing that one can not help but be caught in the song's spell. Indeed, this is certainly one of the better covers of this traditional favorite.

"Rocky Road to Dublin" moves along nicely. The more upbeat and up-tempo the song the more alive Queen's Gambit seem to be. Done in a minimalist style, this song's simplicity is its strength. Too many artists try to fly through this song like a challenge or add instrument after instrument to fill it out. Here is a perfect example of how the song should be done, nothing fancy, just cleanly done and allowing the song to stand on it's own merits.

In stark contrast is "Queen of Argyll". Bruce the Bruce's brogue seems overdone and forced. There is a feeling that trilled r's carry more importance than the rest of the song. The slow temp used for this song makes it seem to drag a bit, plodding more than lightly moving along. 

"Blue Ribbon" is a delightful and funny Ren Faire filk of the Scotsman by Robert Cross. Certainly it is no accident that "the Scotsman" precedes "Blue Ribbon" and a wonderful pairing it is. "The Scotsman" is a song that has long been overdone at faire, and "Blue Ribbon" shows itself to be a worthy replacement for those familiar with the original. Such a witty little tune is certainly worth the price of the CD.

Closing the album with "Wild Mountain Thyme" may seem an obvious choice, but it certainly works. The almost ghostlike voices of Susi Matthews and Amber Cannon compliment Bruce the Bruce and evoke a feeling reminiscent of one's last day at faire. 

One of the strong points of Queen's Gambit is their ability to evoke emotion through music. Not just a "clap along" group inciting the audience to bob their heads, this is a group that can really take you to emotional highs and lows. While the album isn't perfect, it is certainly a wonderful addition to any collection.

"Opening Move - Take Two" is available for $15.00 from CD Baby.