The Merry Sisters of Fate

The Merry Sisters of Fate

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Unlike most contemporary Irish bands, Lúnasa has no singer, preferring instead to focus on purely instrumental music. But on The Merry Sisters of Fate, the playing of flautist Kevin Crawford, fiddler Sean Smyth, and uilleann piper Cillian Vallely is so lyrical you hardly notice the lack. The three lead players are supported by guitarist Donogh Hennesy and bassist Trevor Hutchinson, who create a sound that is rhythmically supple and harmonically complex while still being deeply rooted in tradition. All members of the band are topnotch players, but what sets Lúnasa apart from other Irish bands is the inventiveness of arrangements that skillfully weave the sounds of such nontraditional instruments as lap steel guitar, clarinet, and harmonium with the standard flutes, fiddles, and pipes. The sound that Lúnasa creates is undeniably modern, but they play these old jigs and reels with a combination of grace and conviction that will have even the most hidebound purist itching to get up and dance. --Michael Simmons

Tracks:

Aoibhneas
Donogh And Mike's
Killarney Boys Of Pleasure
The Merry Sisters Of Fate
Inion Ni Scannlain
Casu
Paistin Fionn
The Minor Bee
Scully's
Return From Fingal
Morning Nightcap

Amazon.com

Unlike most contemporary Irish bands, Lúnasa has no singer, preferring instead to focus on purely instrumental music. But on The Merry Sisters of Fate, the playing of flautist Kevin Crawford, fiddler Sean Smyth, and uilleann piper Cillian Vallely is so lyrical you hardly notice the lack. The three lead players are supported by guitarist Donogh Hennesy and bassist Trevor Hutchinson, who create a sound that is rhythmically supple and harmonically complex while still being deeply rooted in tradition. All members of the band are topnotch players, but what sets Lúnasa apart from other Irish bands is the inventiveness of arrangements that skillfully weave the sounds of such nontraditional instruments as lap steel guitar, clarinet, and harmonium with the standard flutes, fiddles, and pipes. The sound that Lúnasa creates is undeniably modern, but they play these old jigs and reels with a combination of grace and conviction that will have even the most hidebound purist itching to get up and dance. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

The finest celtic instrumental group - period.......2005-12-02

Lunasa has an amazing sound that far exceeds that of any other celtic instrumental group I have ever heard. They bring a fresh perspective to the genre that retains its old dance music roots but adds a dimension that makes for excellent listening. Perhaps it is their energy and intensity that makes them singular; perhaps it is their passion and the beauty they imbue their music with. It certainly has something to do with their sometimes nontraditional bass lines that drive the music and the harmonic structure that gives it depth; the music is always intriguing and engaging! It is a combination of these things that makes Lunasa the best. You must listen to this group if you are a fan of Leahy, Altan, Natalie McMaster, and other groups that produce fine instrumental music rooted in celtic tradition - Lunasa blows the rest away.

this is great.......2004-05-10

this is one of my favorite cds of all time. I am a huge fan of cultural music, mostly Celtic. Every cd collection needs a copy of the cd. Erin go brach!

Buy This Album Today!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-02-01

This is by far my favorite Irish instrumental band. In the world of traditional Irish music there are great players, great sessions, but few players mix together as well as Lunasa.

A Stunning Albumn.......2004-01-11

This is a stunning albumn and would be a wonderful addition for anyone who collects Celtic music. Lunasa is an instrumental group with highly talented musicians. The sets are beautiful and unusually well crafted. There is plenty of variety to keep your interest throughout the albumn.

Celtic music at its best!.......2002-04-02

The first time I heard Lunasa was around St. Patrick's Day; my dad bought tickets to see them. Almost instantly, I was caught up in the rich harmonies coming from the stage. The music can fill you with such feeling. It sends messages: about sadness, happiness, or just having fun! Songs such as Inion Ni Scannlain is beautiful; it lifts you up. And Morning Nightcap is quite a toe-tapper! These musicians truly know how to play good music.

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Music Review

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