Celtic Fire

Celtic Fire

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Not only is John Whelan one of Ireland's finest button accordion players, but the original compositions on Celtic Fire show that he is becoming one of its most accomplished composers in the traditional style as well. If you didn't know he wrote selections like "Jigs #1 & #2" and "Reels #1 & #2" (he does need to work on his titles), you would swear they've been played in pub sessions and around kitchen tables for generations. Most of the selections here are played at very lively tempos, but even at the quickest pace Whelan and his talented crew of backing musicians never falter. The one slow tune, the haunting waltz "Father," stands out in sharp relief against the frantic pace of the rest of the dance pieces. Celtic Fire is a fine collection of tunes played with a maximum of passion and a minimum of pretension. --Michael Simmons

Tracks:

Calliope Meets Frank
Stirling Castle Set
Josefin's Waltz
St Kilda Wedding - Brose & Buttler
The Scandinavian
Archibald MacDonald Of Keppoch
The Sailor's Wife - The Lads Of Duns
Shetland Set
Prince Charles' Last View Of Scotland
The Duchess
Rob Roy Crosses The Minch
Da Slockit Light
The High Reel Set

Customer Reviews:

Award winner.......2007-07-20

This is what it sounds like when you're at the top of your game.
Great sound engineering, arranging, and playing combine in this award winning ensemble of instrumental traditional Celtic tunes.
The energy is palpable, as if the cello and fiddle are speaking English with a UK accent.

Very, very addictive. But in a good way........2007-04-11

My wife and I recently saw Fraser and Haas perform in Olympia, WA as part of the Highland, Heath, and Holler Tour with Irish fiddler Martin Hayes and Appalachian fiddler Bruce Molsky. We bought the Fire and Grace CD at the concert. Our only problem with this recording is how addictive it is. We can't stop playing it. We play it at home. We play it in the car. We play it at work. And when we're not playing it, the 'chunes' (Alasdair's preferred pronunciation) run through our heads. This marriage of Scottish fiddle and Julliard-trained cello is exhilarating and revelatory. It's an amazing merger of Celtic and classical. We've never heard anything quite like it. Josefin's Waltz and Archibald MacDonald of Keppoch are the most achingly beautiful numbers. Sailor's Wife/Lads of Dun and Rob Roy Crosses The Minch best show how perfectly Fraser and Haas complement each other's styles. Every track on this CD is great.

Scottish Fiddle Pyrotechnics.......2007-02-13

I bought this CD expecting it to be good. I didn't expect it to be so mindblowing, though! Mr. Fraser's fiddle flies flawlessly through the tunes to the pounding, rumbling rhythm of Ms. Haas's cello. They could not have chosen a better title for their album. Whether you're a fan of fast-paced, foot-stomping music or slow, beautifully voiced music, you'll thoroughly enjoy Fire and Grace.

The opening track, "Calliope Meets Frank," starts the album off with a bang, and is one of my favourites of the CD. You'll find yourself drumming your fingers along in no time if you don't jump up and dance outright! I particularly love the second tune in this medley.
The end is just about as spectacular, with the explosive "High Reel". I find it hard to believe it's humanly possible to fiddle that fast!
In short, Fire and Grace is a top-rate album, with it's heart-pounding rhythms. You can't help turning up the volume! Definitely one of my favourite CDs in my collection.

FIre & Grace describes it all.......2006-05-02

Such a lovely and inspiring recording! Now exciting, now poignant; do yourselves a big favor by not only buying the cd but by attending one of their performances. Grasp the experience! You'll never forget it.

Fire and Grace: fantastic journey.......2005-11-12

Sheer joy. Full of surprising, incredible harmonies. Alisdair has never been better. The pairing of fiddle and cello will take you on a fantastic journey.

Average customer rating:

Disappointing
Enough with the damn compilations!
worth buying, has seven good Vangelis songs
Excellent Overview of Vangelis' Best Known Songs
Hip-O Records trying to make money from us

Odyssey: The Definitive Collection

Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Reprise: 1990-1999
Themes
Oceanic
Voices
Heaven and Hell

ASIN: B0000DHK5T
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Pulstar
Hymne
Main Theme From The 'Chariots Of Fire'
Main Theme From The 'Missing'
Love Theme From 'Blade Runner'
End Titles From 'Blade Runner'
The Tao Of Love
Theme From 'Antartica'
Theme From 'Cavafy'
Opening Titles From 'Mutiny On The Bounty'
Conquest Of Paradise
La Petite Fille De La Mer
L'Enfant
Alpha
Celtic Dawn
Movement 1 From 'Mythodea'
I'll Find My Way Home
State Of Independence

Album Description

18 remastered tracks including titles from 'Missing', 'Blade Runner', '1492 Conquest Of Paradise' & the Oscar-winning 'Chariots Of Fire', as well as 2 bonus tracks, 'I'll Find My Way Home' & 'State Of Independence'. Digipak. Universal. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2006-08-19

I like the music, but the sound quality is terrible. I bought this CD because it was released in 2003, but there is ZERO improvement in sound quality from previous older tracks.

Enough with the damn compilations!.......2005-06-11

First of all I like Vangelis very much. However I have had it with the way that his music is being released. We are consistently given compilation releases (usually of the same tracks that are on other releases). WHAT IS THE POINT????!!
All the more frustrating is that Vangelis has a ton of unreleased music that many fans like myself have been after for years. Sorry the bootlegs on Ebay just don't cut it.
Where's an official release of "Cavafy", "The Bounty", "Francesco", and "Bitter Moon". Where is all the still unreleased music from "1492", "Blade Runner", "Antarctica" and "Chariots of fire", yes he released soundtracks for these films but they were sadly lacking.
Unfortunately we will probably have to wait for Vangelis to demise before we ever get these tracks, if even then.

worth buying, has seven good Vangelis songs.......2005-05-25

Some may complain that this is not a definitive Vangelis CD. Nope, it is far from being that, but it has seven good songs on it that make it worth purchasing for less than $20. Those seven good songs are: Hymne, Alpha, Chariots of Fire, Missing, Pulsar, Petite Fille de la Mer, and L'enfant. Of course, those are just my personal favorites.

Excellent Overview of Vangelis' Best Known Songs.......2004-06-10

It's hard to keep track of the number of compilations of Vangelis. Off the top of my head, I can think of "The Best of", "Greatest Hits", "Themes", "Portraits", and "Reprise". But they never got it right, something was always off, or one period or another of his career was not covered. Now comes "Oddisey: The Definitive Collection". While it may be pushing your luck to proclaim anything as a Vangelis "definitive" compilation", given his prolific output over the years, I am here nevertheless to tell you that this compilation is as good as it will get.

"Oddisey: The Definitive Collection" (18 tracks, 78 min.) in my opinion truly does compile all of Vangelis' best know tracks and greatest hits. Most of the tracks on here will sound immediately familiar, many because they are movie themes (Chariots of Fire being the most famous of course, but also The Missing, Blade Runner, thankfully containing both the beginning and end titles, Mutiny on the Bounty, and others), and other that became well known in commercials (Hymne, L'Enfant, among others). There can be no denying the creativity and talents of Vangelis. There are 2 bonus tracks, "I'll Find My Way Home" and "State of Independence", the 2 best known tracks of Jon & Vangelis, a nice touch to the album.

I share my frustration with other reviewers here that there is tons of great Vangelis music out there that remains unreleased. To be sure, Vangelis deserves a box-treatment of rare and unreleased tracks. But if you are looking for a single-disk overview of his best known songs, look no further: "Oddisey" is it. Released in Fall, 2003, it is a nice way to commemorate Vangelis turning 60 (say it ain't so!).

Hip-O Records trying to make money from us.......2004-04-20

Hos this company dares to call this compilation definitive collection??? Bring something new and then I'll consider your work. Shame of you!!!

Average customer rating:

Not typical Irish Punk Music
Their most original, and the best starting point
Power and Passion
A new breed of celtic-style music
Paddy's Got a Brand New Reel

Fire of Freedom
Black 47
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Home of the Brave
New York Town
Live in New York City
Elvis Murphy's Green Suede Shoes
Trouble in the Land

ASIN: B000006N4R
Release Date: 1993-03-23

Tracks:

Livin' In America
Maria's Wedding
Rockin' The Bronx
Fanatic Heart
Funky Ceili
Fire Of Freedom
James Connolly
Livin' In America
Banks Of The Hudson
40 Shades Of Blue
New York, NY 10009
Sleep Tight In New York City/Her Dear Old Donegal
Black 47
Livin' In America

Customer Reviews:

Not typical Irish Punk Music.......2006-11-14

I am a big Dropkick Murphys fan. So, I was excecting something along those lines. Though, I do like Black 47 they are nothing like Dropkick. They remind me more of the eirly eighties bands.

Their most original, and the best starting point.......2006-09-19

All of Black 47's albums have their strong points, but Fire of Freedom has nothing but strong points. There aren't very many albums I've heard by any artist that sound terrific on the very first listen and stay that way for good. But this is one - from the day I bought it in 1993 (on cassette - remember those?!), every song was catchy and memorable in its own way then and still is now.

If I had to settle on one genre for Black 47, "Irish rock" would have to do. But that's a massive oversimplification, and these guys sound absolutely nothing like U2 or The Pogues. What do they sound like? A mishmash of funk, folk, punk, hip-hop, soul, reggae and straight up rock and roll that almost had to be either horrible or wonderful. Luckily for us, it's the latter. The band's unabashedly militant politics turn up in several of the songs, notably "James Connolly," the title track, and the rather enigmatic "Fanatic Heart." They're also not above co-opting old ballads with new words of their own in "40 Shades of Blue" and "Livin' In America" (set to supercharged arrangements of "Down By The Sally Gardens" and "The Foggy Dew" respectively); folk purists might not like these too much, but they're among my favorites. Most of the others are slice-of-life tales of the modern immigrant experience in various corners of New York, ranging from tragic to hilarious.

Nothing beats seeing these guys live, but this CD is a close runner-up to that.

Power and Passion.......2004-03-05

This is one of the decade's best albums. Every track is memorable, though "James Connolly" and "Fire of Freedom" are the ones that stick with me long after the music stops. This is Black 47 at the top of their game (or at least as good as they get in the studio: Nothing beats them live). A mixture of straight-on rock 'n' roll, with Celtic flavors on some tracks, and reggae beats or hip-hop thrown in occasionally. The musicianship here is incredible at times; the horn section blends with the pipes for some truly inspired sounds.

Look for a CD put out in 1995, called "Keep it Reel," with Seanchai (Chris Byrne from Black 47), Eileen Ivers, and Pat McGuire. Absolutely awesome live recording of Irish hip-hop, and several other genres fused together, with brilliant lyrics by Seanchai. Hard to find.

A new breed of celtic-style music.......2001-01-15

This album is a little tougher than one might expect from a celtic band. While you can't divorce the celtic influence it is definitely supported by an American twist.

This cd is fun as in the exuberant "Funky Ceili" (a great song, great story, in neo-celtic style,) "40 Shades of Blue" or "Rockin' the Bronx". More often however there is an edgy darkness here whether in detailing Irish history ("James Connolly" or "Black 47") or in the contemporary ("Banks of the Hudson"). Don't expect the Irish Tenors here or even the Chieftains. The beauty of those artists aren't here (although the artistry is). This is more thought-provoking, more raw, more contemporary (lyrically and vocally).

Paddy's Got a Brand New Reel.......2001-01-11

Larry Kirwan writes theatrical music both literally and figuratively. Sometimes the epic nature of the music comes close to bombast, sometimes the drama veers toward melodramatic, and sometimes his melodic reach exceeds his vocal grasp.

But what songs.

My criterion for 5 stars is that every track has to be memorable. This disk nails it. One is tempted to go track by track to describe the music. As others have indicated, this is a band with disparate roots and influences; its central tendency sounds something like what might have happened if Springsteen grew up in Wexford listening to traditional Irish music instead of R&R and R&B. Like Springsteen at his best, not everything is pedal-to-the-metal; Black 47's music encompasses a range of subject matter and emotion, but with a perspective rooted in Kirwan's immigrant alienation and political interests. "Banks of the Hudson" is what might happen if a traditional murder ballad crashed into Manhattan complete with Geoff Blythe doing his best Clarence Clemmons imitation; "Funky Ceili" is a joyful celebration of dissoluteness; "James Connolly" an anthemic celebration of the Irish Marxist revolutionary; the quiet "Fanatic Heart" is both plaintive and chilling; and "Living in America" is the band's piece de resistance -- an evocation of the slights and hopes of immigrant men and women in America. Like I said it is tempting to review each track.

It would be easy to fall flat on your face trying to pull this off -- the politics degenerating into sloganeering, the passion into cheap sentimentality, and the music into some kind of ersatz folk hydrid. Kirman's self-deprecating humor (I once saw him perform a song about his girlfriend leaving him "for another woman" while he was with the Major Thinkers, an earlier band) saves him lyrically, and relentless live performance has honed the band musically.

Tracks:

Madame Bonaparte/Devil's Dream/Mason's Apron - Leahy
An Innis Aigh - The Rankins
Lukey/Lukaloney - Great Big Sea
My Bonnie - Laura Smith
My Home/The Contradiction/Julia Delaney - Ashley MacIsaac
Come By The Hills - Rita MacNeil
Fingal's Cave - Natalie Macmaster
A Mhairi Bhoidheach - Mary Jane Lamond
Rattlin' Roarin' Willie - Barra MacNeils
Red Is The Rose - The Ennis Sisters
Le Lys Vert - La Bottine Souriante

Amazon.com essential recording

This recording happened more or less by accident while the Chieftains were visiting Canada. At the time, there were "no plans to make a Chieftains recording as such," Paddy Moloney explains in a short introductory note. Canadian musicians came by to visit, and there was a prolonged kitchen party--with the tapes rolling. The Chieftains become accompanists and producers for some very talented fiddlers (the Leahy family, Ashley MacIsaac, Natalie MacMaster), vocalists (the Rankins, Great Big Sea, Laura Smith, Rita MacNeil, Mary Jane Lamond, the Barra MacNeils family, and the Ennis Sisters), and others. With such a diverse cast, a variety of styles are explored and the quality is comparable with that of the Chieftains' own work. While songs like "My Bonnie" may be familiar, they get distinctive treatment from this crew. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

Et toi!.......2006-07-03

Another of the Chieftain's brief stops on their journey to bring Celtic music round the world....or more to the point, to prove that Ireland is everywhere and in every tongue. I was a bit disappointed to find this wasn't a live recording; it looks it from the cover photo. But never mind. The guest artists couldn't be better: La Bottine Souriante, Great Big Sea, Natalie McMaster are all here, bringing us Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and Quebec sounds. The Ennis sisters deliver a "Red Is the Rose" (to the tune of "Loch Lomond") so sweet that I'd bet butter wouldn't melt in your mouth if it doesn't bring a tear to your eye. And move back the chairs and get ready to dance some jigs and reels when Leahy or Ashley MacIsaac take over ("Devil's Dream" has always been a favorite tune of mine to contra dance to). Always, of course, we have Paddy Malone and the boys as the world's greatest backup band, on traditional harp, pipes, fiddle, and more.

I want to point out one special song on this collection, because it's normally the type of thing on a Chieftains CD I dislike, because it seems to distract from the traditional purpose. Laura Smith turns in a modern version of "My Bonnie" that starts out as a typical pop vocal. She plays with the original lyrics and melody in a playful rubato. The musicians back her up, in the expected manner, as she adds a verse of her own adhering to the traditional melody. The chorus returns. Then suddenly, as the musicians play the verse a bit louder, she begins a beautiful descant, with a different rythm and melody:

"Soon there will be no difference between the land and the water/
I can walk out on the ice to places I've never been/
When I can get as far as I can go I can throw my cares over my shoulder/
Along with my memory or just let it flow down the Golf Stream
and I'll walk on singing /My Bonnie...."

It brings goosebumps. But what else would you expect in the Great White North?

What a grand surprise..........2005-01-20

I bought this CD for ONE song (the Ennis sister's 'Red is the Rose'),but the whole CD is an absolute delight!! You can just feel the smoke and the heat coming off of this wonderful group of musicians! One moment you will find yourself tapping your toes and dancing a jig in your head to 'Rattlin'Roarin'Willie' and 'Lukey/Lukaloney' , and the next you'll be carried back to the ancient land of the Celts with haunting tunes like 'An Innes Aigh' & 'A Mhairi Bhoidheach'. A wonderful collection!

Hot, Smokin', Explosive Celtic Music ..........2003-05-13

Paddy Moloney & the Chieftains travelled around Canada jamming & with some of the finest traditional musicians on this side of the planet (N. America). They roamed about Halifax, Nova Scotia; stopped near Toronto, Ontario; did a hop, skip & jump to Montreal, Quebec and even visited Newfoundland, to collaborate and collect wild, raucous, party music *just* for our listening pleasure. They succeeded beyond their wildest imaginations.

Leahy burns the first set of tunes with so much fire and smoke that no one wants to put it out. "Madame Bonaprte/Devil's Dream/Mason's Apron" lights the first fire, with an unmatched medley, played on fiddles, guitar, bass, piano, mandolin and drums. They demonstrate just how they catapulted to center stage & why they will always remain there. The hauntingly beautiful voices of the Rankin sisters will melt the coldest of hearts, truly inspirational ... The clear, crisp voice of Laura Smith with her unique rendition of "My Bonnie" gives off sparks, ready to ignite anything within hearing distance. Ashley McIsaac on fiddle accompanied by guitar leaves nothing standing in her path ... Natalie MacMaster "burns the house down" playing with her inimitable style and step dancing as she does it. "A Mhairi Bhoidheach" sung by Mary Jane Lamond will bring smokey tears to anyone's eyes. "La Bottine Souriante" from Quebec, gives us the final searing finishing touch, as they play "Le Lys Vert" on trombone, accordion, fiddles, saxophone, trumpet, mandolin, and piano. This CD keeps exploding with so much fire and smoke you just don't want the music to stop! It is one of the best complilations of Canadian Celtic music that money can buy! Erika Borsos (erikab93)

fantastic cd.......2003-03-14

This really is a magnificent compilation of Canadian/Celtic music - from slow, sweet melodies to kick-up-your-heels fiddle tunes. There's not a bad song in the bunch. I highly recommend buying it - you won't be sorry.

Julia Child's kitchen be damned!.......2002-06-19

In the old tradition of kitchen parties, the collaboration between the Chieftans and about nine other Celtic performing groups was conceived in a kitchen in Halifax, Canada.

What started as a jam session turned out to be a veritable stone soup with various artists contributing and making a recording clearly representative of the talent that is harboured true North strong and free.

Ranging from firey fast numbers such as Madame Bonapart/Devil's Dream/Mason's Apron opener, to An Innis Aigh, which is gorgeously beautiful in its simplicity and expressiveness, Fire in the Kitchen delivers a full-course meal of Celtic music and leaves the listener veritably stuffed at the end.

It is a delightful 53 minutes and 23 seconds, with no track to my displeasure. I look forward to more recordings of this energy and candor.

Average customer rating:

My favorite ER album so far
great celtic music
A Wonderful Musical Compilation
Pagan power v.s. Pagan pablum
Being in the audience is still better, but this is close...

Fire In The Head

Manufacturer: Emerald Rose
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bending Tradition
Celtic Crescent
Archives of Ages to Come
Rite the First Time
The Best of Pagan Song

ASIN: B000066IWN
Release Date: 2002-04-20

Tracks:

Star of the County Down
Fire In The Head
Worlds Wedding
Drowsy Maggie/Morning Invention/Green Groves of Erin
Merry Mayfolk
A Pict Song
Vampire Girl from Orn
Summerland
Call Me Home
Never Underestimate
Chicken Raid of Cymru
Freya, Shakti
Donald McGillivray

Album Description

"Fire In The Head" is the first LIVE CD from Emerald Rose. This CD contains tracks recorded at the Harvest Cafe in Atlanta in fall 2001 before an enthusiastic core audience. In addition to great new renditions of the band's classics such as "Freya, Shakti" and "Worlds Wedding", there is new material, from rousing Celtic instrumentals to the zany tracks "Chicken Raid" and "Vampire Girl from Orn". There's something for everyone on this collection...don't miss it!

Customer Reviews:

My favorite ER album so far.......2007-02-16

Anyone familiar with Emerald Rose knows that, good as their recorded music is, it doesn't hold a candle to seeing them live. This cd comes close, though, capturing some of the mad energy that makes their shows such a blast. From the top, then:

1) Star of the County Down: is this the only traditional song on the cd? I think it might be; I'd have to recheck Donald McGillivray. Regardless, I love this arrangement of one of my old favorites. It's a good bit faster than I'm used to (I usually hear this one sung slow and gentle, for some reason); the word "sprightly" comes to mind. The pennywhistle intro sets the tone, not just for this song, but for the whole cd.

2) Fire in the Head: fire in the blood! This song is sheer energy, with a driving beat and someone doing something interesting and complicated on a drum in the background. The lyrics are resonant with myths that I almost know, I should know, but I don't quite. (They're on the tip of my brain, so to speak.) It's tantalizing.

3) World's Wedding: it took me a long time to warm up to this song. I don't really know why; it just never caught me. It was always the one I skipped past when listening. It was the lyrics that finally won me over; I saw them online and was hooked. Then, of course, I had to listen to the song, really listen, so I could learn the lyrics, and of course once I did that I adored it. It's slow and very beautiful, half love song and half paean to the turning of the seasons, with vivid, poetic imagery.

4) Drowsy Maggie, etc.: starts off stately, picks up quickly. If you don't want to dance by the end of this one, get your feet checked. (An aside: I usually don't have the patience for instrumentals. Emerald Rose seems to be the exception to this.)

5) Merry Mayfolk: this is so my Beltaine song! It's upbeat, it's playful, it's funny, and the underlying spiritual message is one I'm awfully fond of. On the surface, it seems to be poking fun at Christianity, and I know there are some sensitive souls that might find that offensive. To me, though, it came across as more lighthearted than mean-spirited - the way you might tease a brother or sister whom you love dearly but who needs to lighten up a little. (Incidentally, that's something I admire about this band. A lot of times I pick up on some thinly- or not-so-thinly-veiled hostility towards Christianity from the Pagan community; I've never gotten that sense from ER's music.)

6) A Pict Song: my fiance's favorite, this song is eerie, intense, and a little unsettling. It's a complete change of pace from everything that came before, and (to me at least) signals that the album's about to get a little different for a few songs. The lyrics come from a Rudyard Kipling poem, and to understand it you have to remember that back in the day, people believed the Picts really were a little people, physically smaller than other races. Keep that in mind, listening to this song, imagining the Picts against the might of the Roman Empire, and you will get goosebumps. The vocal harmonies in this song are haunting and entirely appropriate to the bloodthirsty lyrics.

7) Vampire Girl from Orn: and now for something completely different... This belongs to ER's "random silliness" genre. It took me a couple listens to catch all the lyrics, but when I did they cracked me up! It's just... it's just bizarre, is what it is. As another reviewer pointed out, the way Larry sings the words is half the amusement factor.

8) Summerland: Ok, seriousness now. This song was one of the biggest factors in my own decision to start exploring Pagan ideas; the opening lines about the "long and winding" path makes for a fantastic metaphor, and some aspects of Pagan beliefs are addressed. For me, though, the biggest impact was simply that this was the first time I had ever heard someone just come out and openly discuss Paganism and Goddess-worship as a normal, valid religion. Call me sheltered, but it's true, and hearing the song just gave me one of those forehead-slapping "Oh! NOW I get it!" moments.

9) Call Me Home: This song made my mother cry, but that's because she used to live in Ireland and misses it dreadfully. Haunting melody, lyrics filled with yearning, the sort of song you want to sing while wading in the ocean under a full moon, staring east across the Atlantic.

10) Never Underestimate: A fun song. Never gonna rock my world like some of the others on the album, but it's a good song to boogie across the living room to. Made me giggle.

11) Chicken Raid of Cymru: Know how I said the last one made me giggle? Yeah, well, this one makes me fall on the floor in helpless laughter. It all starts somewhere in Wales... or maybe somewhere in Texas... we're not quite sure. Like so many ER songs, this one is responsible for furthering my education, as after listening to it a few times I had to go research the story of the pigs of Pryderi so I could get more of the jokes (I swear, if I'm going to listen to this band I need to just go buy me a copy of the Mabinogion...)

12) Freya, Shakti: It's "Freya, Shakti," kids. It's "Freya, Shakti" live; what more can you ask for? A great song, a great chant, at once thoroughly reverent and taut with wild, bubbling energy. I love the harmonies (I say that a lot with this band, but then, the harmonies are always good!)

13) Donald McGillivray: Best song *I've* ever heard about the Glorious Revolution, I can tell you that. Now, of course, most people aren't geeks like me and therefore don't get all excited about late 17th/early 18th-century British politics, so it's a good thing the song's good in its own right! Energetic, driven, a good solid foot-stomping and butt-kicking song. That interesting drum is back. And while there are puns, they're less painful than they could have been. Definitely another song for dancing.

(Edited to correct a horrid misspelling. Bad me. *slaps hand*)

great celtic music.......2007-01-04

A friend of mine knows this group and even journeyed to Ireland with them. On her recommendation, tried them out with this CD. You would not believe that they are American!

There is a strong Wiccan flavor to much of their music, but don't think its so much that it should turn you away, just don't be surprised to hear it on certain tracks. Mostly original work, ELP's "Lucky Man" is delivered in a satisfying manner - not imitation, but not denying the songs source.

Found myself doing a jig around the house and having a grand old time. First rate music from a first rate group.

A Wonderful Musical Compilation.......2005-03-17

Fire in the Head is my second ER CD (I own Bending Tradition as well), and I must say, it was a wonderful choice. The CD combines Celtic, Pagan, and some just plain weird songs in a wonderful combination of music. Also, as a lover of live CDs, I can appreciate the small audience interaction. For a quick review, this is an awesome CD!

Star of the County Down - Wonderful music and a nice little story to accompany it.

Fire in the Head - This is arguably the greatest track on the entire CD. This live version is about 300x better than the recorded one from Bending Traditions, and its virtues cannot be extolled enough. Absolutely amazing music combines with a Pagan theme to create one of ER's best songs.

World's Wedding - This song gets a bit slower, but Logan's voice is truly shown off. Although not among the greatest tracks on the CD, this is certainly a wonderful song.

Drowsy Maggie / Morning Invention / Green Groves of Erin - Fire in the Head's three-song collection of Celtic music. You just can't go wrong with it. Great music. Morning Invention especially is very exciting and fast-paced, with guitar, bodhran, and whistle.

Merry Mayfolk - This was one of my favorite songs from Bending Tradition, and I don't think that the live version meets the quality of the studio one. That said, it is still a good song to hear.

A Pict Song - A very slow and mournful song, I'm not exactly sure how to describe it, but rest assured that you will enjoy hearing it.

Vampire Girl from Orn - Opening with "That doesn't sound very Celtic", this is definitely among the oddest songs I've ever heard (though admittedly, Chicken Raid of Cymru beats it). This is a funny story of an alien vixen who lands in a small town. Very funny, and VERY enjoyable. I especially love the way in which certain lyrics are said, that adds a whole new level to the song. This is certainly among my favorite songs on the entire CD.

Summerland - This is a more serious song that is more of a ballad than a folk song. And while it's not among the CD's best, this track is still very enjoyable to hear.

Call Me Home - If there was one song that I had to say was my least favorite, this would be it. Featuring mostly a singer, it just doesn't hold my interest. It's not nearly as exciting as some of the other songs, and while the music is good, the lyrics don't hold my attention.

Never Underestimate - A small combo of a good song and a bit of social commentary, this is the story of a Christian who comes to a Pagan gathering and tries to preach to them. A catchy tune with a little humor thrown in, this song is also among my favorites.

Chicken Raid of Cymru - The single weirdest song I've ever heard. Ever. This is also the longest track on the CD. This is the story of a Celtic warrior who fights with "a teeny weeny little itsy bitsy wooden shield, and a chicken." It's full of lunacy, and though it doesn't stand out in its lyrics or music, the comedic commentary more than makes up for this.

Freya, Shakti - This song will likely become a staple of Wiccan learning at some point in the future. As if the studio version was not powerful enough already, this live version adds the energy of an audience into it. I still shiver everytime I hear the live version. There are no words to express how wonderful this song is, and I cannot recommend hearing it enough.

Donald McGuillivray - A great song. The lyrics are nice and musical, but the true catch of this track is the music. The drums here are absolutely amazing. The vocals also simply have the sound that fits perfectly with this sort of song. Another great song.

All in all, this is another CD that I can listen to nonstop, several times over. I cannot recommend it enough.

Pagan power v.s. Pagan pablum.......2004-07-24

EMERALD ROSE is walking a tricky path. Part of their popularity is generated from the reputation they're acquirung (and rightly so!) for being a genuine "Pagan" band with considerable talent in the Celtic Folk-rock genre.
With the live cd FIRE IN THE HEAD, they succeed, if not excell on both accounts, dispite a few weak points/potential pitfalls.
Homeages to PAGAN philosophy abound in the title track, Freya Shakti, Summerland, Merry Mayfolk, and the awesome,understated chilling A PICT SONG.
The Celtic influences really stand out in Star Of County Down, Drowsey Maggie..., and Donald McGuillary. The track Calling Me Home falls somewheres inbetween.
Vampire Girl from Orn is a fun sci-fi romp full of risque innuendo and a Celtic flaire if you really listen.
Chicken Raid is the longest track at 7:30 minutes and though for "insiders" it is said to be full of myth analogies and whatnot...for me it's just blarney and condescends some of the other music with goofy "we're a friendly, sunshinee bunch-a-blokes" sympathies. I could care less about the Celtic warrior/chicken inferences.Yeesh.
Through several of the songs (too much work to extract here) there is subtle lyrical interplay between socially sanctioned established beliefs (ie christianity) and the "back-to-nature/Pagan/Wiccan/Celtic warrior" folks who are certainly part of the live Georgia(?!) audience, and they enthusiastically respond with the band throughout.
The only real PAGAN pablum here (or risk in the future) is the song 'Never Underestimate (A girl with the Goddess in her eyes)'. To me this track is just juvenille tripe (albiet very musical)catering to female teens. A weak conjuring invoking a skewered feminist empowerment, almost politically correct and parent approved!!!!!
Please EMERALD ROSE, stay away from becomming a Pagan version of Christian M-O-R. If you want my 2 ducats worth, the direction indicated in 'A Pict Song' is the way to go.
As a PAGAN myself (or portion thereof) I like my music mysterious, tribal, "filkish", and even more than a bit sinister. Parents be damned.
Closing, I find the studio albums much better in overall execution. The versions duplicated here have better sound from the studio, and the PAGAN flow is more consistant. Blessed be.

Being in the audience is still better, but this is close..........2003-06-17

Some bands are better in the studio, and some are better live. Emerald Rose is great either way, but they shine their brightest when playing to a live audience. I own all of their CDs, and they are all wonderful, but this one captures more of the energy and zest of their live concerts.
Yes, many of these songs (not all of them) are available on studio recordings. Personally i like to listen to both versions, live and studio, but the energy and tempo in this CD really make you wan to get up and dance... or fall over laughing...
The songs on this CD range from traditional Celtic songs, although played with more energy and beat than i usually hear, (Star of the County Down)to the comedic (Chicken Raid of Cymru).
There are some of the obviously Pagan songs like "Freya Shakti", "Summerland" and "Never Underestimate" as well as the wonderfully funny, very weird, "Vampire Girl from Orn", so this isn't the CD to play for your non-Pagan-friendly friends or family.

Tracks:

Grant's Rant / The Brown-Haired Daughter / Innes of Sandsides' / The Gentle Milkmaid / Stuart's Rant
The Champion of the Seas / Over the Isles to America / Pop Goes the Weasel / Rossie Castle
Oh Onochie O
Grace Hay's Delight / Dunkeld House / Mrs. McGee's Reel
The Highlands of Scotland / The Lowlands of Scotland /
Lude's Lament
The Brown-Haired Lad / O My Boatman
Tibby Fouller O' the Glen / The Lonach Highland Fling / Miss Shepherd / Dr. Gordon Stables' Reel
Brose and Butter / Cuzle Together / Elsie Marly
What the Devil Ails You! / Loch Ness
The 156th Brigade at the Battle of Romani
Purser's Air / Fishing off Eilean Na H'airde / Drinan Jig

Amazon.com

Bonnie Rideout is an American who has mastered the art of Scottish fiddling. Scottish Fire is a selection of tunes that cover almost the entire range of traditional Caledonian music. There are marches, complete with bagpipes and drums, dance tunes of every variety, including reels, strathspeys, waltzes, hornpipes, and slow airs. Rideout plays them all with equal facility but she really shines on the unaccompanied slow selections like the heartbreaking "Lude's Lament." The instrumentation includes the now standard guitar, cittern, and bodhrán, as well as the more unusual viola da gamba. As on her previous releases such as Soft May Morn and Celtic Circles, Rideout has unearthed tunes from old manuscript collections in Scotland. Many of these melodies haven't been heard for centuries and Rideout has done us all a favor by bringing them back to life. --Michael Simmons

Album Description

With Scottish Fire, the shining star and internationally renowned leading female Scottish fiddler, Bonnie Rideout sets the standard for the millennium. Praised as "one of the world's leading Scottish fiddlers." (Bob Edwards. NPR's "Morning Edition"). Bonnie's fiddling of airs, strathspeys, jigs and reels ignites the fire and passion of Scotland in her breathtaking new release. From the driving opening track "Grant's Rant" to the soulful Gaelic air "An Gillie Donn," Rideout dazzles the listener with her sense of passion, pensive longing, vital beauty and poignancy. She is joined by some of the finest Celtic musicians performing today on Highland pipes and drums, guitar, cittern and viola da gamba. Musicians:BONNIE RIDEOUT Fiddle & Viola;JERRY O'SULLIVAN- Uilleann Pipes & Scottish Small-pipes;MIKE GREEN - Great Highland Pipes;AL PETTEWAY -Guitar;ROBIN BULLOCK - Guitar & Cittern;MAGGIE SANSONE- Hammered Dulcimer;TINA CHANCEY - Viola da Gamba;PADDY LEAGUE - Bodhran, Snare, Udu & Djembe;JON QUIGG - Snare & Bass Drums.

Customer Reviews:

Prolific recording artist who respects the tradition while keeping it fresh........2007-07-20

An American musician who does the Scottish fiddle tradition proud -- Bonnie Rideout delivers. This album delivers the whole package -- the lyricism of Alasdair Fraser, the drive of Natalie MacMaster, and the eclecticism of Capercaillie (the more roots-oriented of their work) -- this is a great album.

Masterpiece.......2007-03-27

A Very good job by a master of the craft, recomended for listeners to all types of music, a great listen!

outstanding!!.......2006-08-23

Bonnie Rideout is outstanding and like her other works, "Scottish Fire" is absolutely breath-taking! For anyone interested in genuine Celtic music, this is the only choice.

Great Fire.......2006-08-02

Great movement in the music; enjoyable recording but would be better as a studio recording in lieu of a concert with player and audience ad hoc vocals.

beautiful music.......2005-08-09

I bought this cd for background music for my wedding reception. The wedding and reception was at a Scottish style Inn in North Carolina, and, after listening to the music samples, I thought it would be perfect. I liked it because not only is the woman extremely talented, but because it is engaging and unobtrusive, and it does not sound like your typical discount rack Celtic music. I listened to a lot of music, searching for just the right thing, and this was simply the best. This woman has real talent!

Average customer rating:

One of my favorite Kim Robertson CD's
Rich, romantic compositions for harp and voice
Like Early Morning Bells and Afternoon Jacuzzi All At Once

Wood, Fire & Gold
Kim Robertson
Manufacturer: Dargason Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Highland Heart
Angels in Disguise
Tender Shepherd
Christmas Lullaby
Spiral Gate

ASIN: B000001HBK
Release Date: 1996-09-17

Tracks:

Eleanor
Anamchara
Bells Of Paris
Som-Som Beni
Dance Of The Lambs
Wondrous Love
L'Amour Trouve
Crossing The Bridge
Alayi
Anamchara - (reprise)
Loch Tay Boat Song

Album Description

WOOD, FIRE & GOLD Kim Robertson, Celtic harp and voice with Eric Segnitz,violin, conductor and arranger; Linda Donahue, oboe, English horn; William Barnewitz, French horn; William Helmers, clarinet; Tom Kanack, accordion; Ralph Bruner, guitar; Daniel Armstrong, double bass; Steve Yeager, percussion; and ensemble strings

A spectacularly lush creation layer upon layer of gorgeous sounds. A Celtic/French/medieval tour de force.

BAND_MEMBERS: WOOD, FIRE & GOLD Kim Robertson, Celtic harp and voice with Eric Segnitz,violin, conductor and arranger; Linda Donahue, oboe, English horn; William Barnewitz, French horn; William Helmers, clarinet; Tom Kanack, accordion; Ralph Bruner, guitar; Daniel Armstrong, double bass; Steve Yeager, percussion; and ensemble strings

Customer Reviews:

One of my favorite Kim Robertson CD's.......2006-11-10

I love this CD. It is certainly one of Kim's best. I have used several of the tracks in creating photo montages. The music is so mellow and fits the mood of what I was trying to convey with my photos.

Rich, romantic compositions for harp and voice.......2002-11-30

The tone of this CD is warm and inviting, like a glowing hearth and good, home cooking, but with the hint and haunt of a chilly evening just outside the window. As a composer and arranger, Kim Robertson just keeps getting better! Her compositions have sweep and presence and, as always, the authenticity of true heart. Here, her virtuosic harp playing and ethereal voice are backed by a whole chamber ensemble of strings, English horn, oboe, French horn, clarinet, accordion, guitar and percussion. Robertson's next release, "The Spiral Gate", continues her intriguing evolution as an artist. If you enjoy Robertson's work, you might also like that of harpist and composer Thomas Loefke, in releases such as "Norland Wind", "Atlantic Driftwood", and "December Journey".

Like Early Morning Bells and Afternoon Jacuzzi All At Once.......2002-02-03

At my birthday party a couple years ago, everyone seemed to have the same idea of what to get me - soft, New Age albums. I'm pretty sure they were picking them out at random, because none of my friends enjoy New Age music the same way I do. But I appreciated it and thanked them and I took turns putting my new albums in the stereo as the party went on.

Well .... this one was the winner of the group. Everyone agreed. As soon as this album came on, everyone said, "Oh, who got you this one? This one's beautiful." And I had to agree!

This album is almost entirely instrumental - though some very pretty vocals show up sporatically. The album sounds like the colors "white" or "silver" - very clean, crisp music like early morning bells. But at the same time there's nothing "thin" about it. It has a soothing soulfulness that keeps it rich and spiritually rewarding, even through its bright purity.

Some of the harp pieces are so soothing and honest, I can't think of any music that would be more helpful for comforting you at the end of a stressful day.

I recommend this clean, lush album to anyone who needs something pretty just to help carry them away every now and then. And of course, I recommend it if you have a New Age or Celtic music lover for a friend like me, and you need to buy a gift. If you're picking one out at random, pick this one.

Celtic Fire
Average customer rating:

7 time All Ireland Champion on Button Accordian!

Beautiful and fun celtic tunes

Celtic Fire
John Whelan
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Come To Dance: A Celtic Tradition

Celtic Roots

Dance of the Celts

Celtic Dance

Celtic Crossroads

ASIN: B000056O1Z
Release Date: 2001-01-23

Tracks:

Bucks Of Arranmore/Eileen Curran's/The Green Mountain
Sporting Paddy/John Dwyer's/Galtee Rangers
Enniscorthy/Daddy's Home
Up Against The Bachelon/Lady Ann/Montgomery/Glen Allen
Have A Drink On Me/Widow Brady
Father
Christmas Eve/Fearghal O Gadhra/Come West Along The Road
McDermott's/Lad O'Bierne
Paddy Fahey's/Gan Aimn
East Of The Hebrides/The Trial Of Jim Kelly
Fletch Taylor/The Gifted Father T
The Girl That Broke My Heart/Paddy Ryan's Dream/Music In The Glen
Dot's Polka/Bernard Murphy's Polka

Amazon.com

Not only is John Whelan one of Ireland's finest button accordion players, but the original compositions on Celtic Fire show that he is becoming one of its most accomplished composers in the traditional style as well. If you didn't know he wrote selections like "Jigs #1 & #2" and "Reels #1 & #2" (he does need to work on his titles), you would swear they've been played in pub sessions and around kitchen tables for generations. Most of the selections here are played at very lively tempos, but even at the quickest pace Whelan and his talented crew of backing musicians never falter. The one slow tune, the haunting waltz "Father," stands out in sharp relief against the frantic pace of the rest of the dance pieces. Celtic Fire is a fine collection of tunes played with a maximum of passion and a minimum of pretension. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

7 time All Ireland Champion on Button Accordian!.......2003-03-11

This one of three audio CD's from John Whelan that can easily be played from start to finish without skipping less than good tracks. John takes on this project and album with students with excellent results. "Come to Dance" and "Celtic Tradition" are the other two albums. Please refer to my reviews. John is basically a non stop player at the top of his form with hundreds of tunes memorized. A live performance is a real treat, as he usually comes out into the audience to play. If you are building a traditional Irish Music collection, one if not all three of these CD's are a must have. I am happy to hear Bodhran (Irish Drum) on this CD. I have also been happy to play to these CD's and add Bodhran and bones. If John wants to keep cranking out these CD's, I'll be happy to keep buying them. At the top of my wish list is John teaming up with Johnny McDonagh or Tommy Hayes on Bodhran for an album, as I believe the percussion adds a lot to the music.

Beautiful and fun celtic tunes.......2001-02-18

There are no human voices on this album, but you won't even notice listening to this lively and entertaining CD. Whelen has created a snapshot of traditional Irish life in his danceable jigs, full of life and joy. The one slow track, "Father" is dedicated to the artist's good friend, Father Frank Hoffman, and is eerie and lovely, creating a sense of mystery. One wonders if this is an exploration of personal faith or a tribute to an individual - or perhaps both? The talent of all the musicians playing in each song is quite evident.

This album deserves a better name, as it sounds like it would be a New Agey album, and it's really not - this is a mix of new and traditional Irish music. Highly recommended.

Fire in the Kitchen: The Journey Continues
Average customer rating:
Fire in the Kitchen: The Journey Continues
Tammy Martin , Teddy Helton , Debbie Shrewsbury , and Linda Waltner
Manufacturer: Classic Recording Studio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Fire In The Kitchen: An Appalachian Celtic Journey

ASIN: B000MMATIY

Product Description

Appalachian and Celtic music as seen on PBS "Song of the Mountains". Hammered Dulcimer, Fiddle, Guitar, Flute, Penny Whistle, Irish Low Whistle, Bass, Bodhran, Voice.

Fire In The Kitchen: An Appalachian Celtic Journey

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
I do not have the cd but....

Fire In The Kitchen: An Appalachian Celtic Journey

Manufacturer: Leonard Studios
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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Fire in the Kitchen: The Journey Continues

ASIN: B000BMRZR8

Product Description

Hammered Dulcimer, Flute, Guitar, Strings. Includes: Liberty, Drowsy Maggie, Jamie's Ramble, Dennis Murphy's/John Ryan's Polka, June Apple, Simple Gifts, So Lonesome I Could Cry, Ragtime Annie, Castle Kelly, Danny Boy, Temperance Reel/Flowers of Edinburgh, Wayfaring Stranger, Red-Haired Boy, Blackberry Blossom

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-01-19

I ordered the CD after listing to them perform on PBS. It is lovely.

I do not have the cd but...........2006-07-18

I heard them on pbs very late at night and they are beautiful musicians.

Music Review: