The Words That Remain

The Words That Remain

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This recording from the Irish-American group Solas really makes the two national identities mix beautifully. They start with Woody Guthrie's "Pastures of Plenty," played as a roaring Irish ceili. Later they delve into politics, delivering a strong message over a strangely effective, upbeat musical bed in Peggy Seeger's "Song of Choice." It doesn't hurt that they invited Iris DeMent to share the vocal duties on this track, and she and Solas front singer Karen Casey give this song emotional impact. Guest input also includes banjoist Bela Fleck, some interesting bass work from Chico Huff, and a mixed bag of percussion and drums from John Anthony. But the core group is still deeply involved in the material that they have made a name with. The Irish dance sets still dominate the recording. John Doyle's guitar continues to provide a solid rhythmic bass that usually precludes the need for a drummer (even when they have one); Seamus Egan provides a broad palette of sounds on banjo, flutes, mandolin and percussion; Winifred Horan continues her notable fiddling; and Mick McAuley continues to expand his mastery of the squeezeboxes. Record number three for Solas still finds them on track, with a solid, all-acoustic lineup, a great choice of tunes, and a subtle new bi-directional course toward America and then back to Dublin. --Louis Gibson

Tracks:

Pastures Of Plenty
The Stride Set (Reels)
The Walk Up Set (Jigs)
The Grey Selchie
Song Of Choice
La Bruxa (Air)
I Am A Maid That Sleeps In Love
The Vega Set (Jigs)
Sweet Comeraghs (A Chomaraigh Aoibhinn O)
Sproggies Set (Reels)
The Beauty Spot (Reels)
Sraid An Chloig

Amazon.com

This recording from the Irish-American group Solas really makes the two national identities mix beautifully. They start with Woody Guthrie's "Pastures of Plenty," played as a roaring Irish ceili. Later they delve into politics, delivering a strong message over a strangely effective, upbeat musical bed in Peggy Seeger's "Song of Choice." It doesn't hurt that they invited Iris DeMent to share the vocal duties on this track, and she and Solas front singer Karen Casey give this song emotional impact. Guest input also includes banjoist Bela Fleck, some interesting bass work from Chico Huff, and a mixed bag of percussion and drums from John Anthony. But the core group is still deeply involved in the material that they have made a name with. The Irish dance sets still dominate the recording. John Doyle's guitar continues to provide a solid rhythmic bass that usually precludes the need for a drummer (even when they have one); Seamus Egan provides a broad palette of sounds on banjo, flutes, mandolin and percussion; Winifred Horan continues her notable fiddling; and Mick McAuley continues to expand his mastery of the squeezeboxes. Record number three for Solas still finds them on track, with a solid, all-acoustic lineup, a great choice of tunes, and a subtle new bi-directional course toward America and then back to Dublin. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Karan carries it........2005-10-31

Karan Casey's voice is the main reason for buying this album. What else is there? Well, there are sets of jigs and reels that are as jiggy and reelly as you could wish for, if you like that kind of thing. Also, Iris DeMent joins Casey on "Song of Choice" and it is great to hear these two fine and distinctive voices together, even though the song itself is unremarkable. It would be wonderful to hear more of them as a duo.

The weak points are the two songs in Gaelic -- which gain nothing by being sung in the original (unless of course you speak the language) -- and the dreadful La Bruxa, a painful squeezebox effort that might earn a busker a few centimes (or Euros) outside the Paris Metro, but does not belong here. Otherwise, the musicianship is excellent throughout.

Casey's departure was her gain and the band's loss, but this album remains a must for lovers of Celtic music, and for followers of America's various folk traditions.

Solas during their Prime! Pioneering Work!.......2004-10-20

Solas has changed recently since the departure of Karen Casey. I remember the good old days when this band gave Irish Traditional Music CPR while ripping through reels and jigs. There was world percussion and there was a driven pace set by John Doyle playing fast chord configurations. Karen was singing in both Irish Gaelic and English. High energy tracks followed by hauntingly beautiful songs. What fun! Their first four albums followed this frantic pace of inspired arrangements, with a little known tribute DVD to the old crew, "Solas," filmed during a concert with a supportive audience on Saint Patrick's Day in Burlington, Vermont. I strongly recommend all of the above Solas albums and DVD. With so little Irish Traditional Music on DVD, their DVD is a little known, but a rare gem.

Easily accessible.......2004-04-19

This album is a good choice for anyone looking for uplifting music and excellent musicians.

I don't normally listen to this type of music but I found Solas to be very easily accessible.

The Words That Remain.......2004-02-26

SOLAS continues to thrill listeners like me who are looking for world music they can get next to. SOLAS offers celtic music that makes you want to dance, beat a drum and sing along to. Whether the song is traditional or contemporary, you listen with a wink and a smile!

The Best Celtic Music I've Heard.......2001-07-13

My sister knew of my passion for Celtic music and bought me this album for Christmas. The group is phenomenal and the music is lively. From folk songs to traditional jigs this album will brighten your day and lighten your heart. Some songs are English, some are in Galic and others are just instrumentals.

Music Review:

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