Holding Up Half The Sky: Voices Of Celtic Women II

Holding Up Half The Sky: Voices Of Celtic Women II

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The second volume of Voices of Celtic Women features some of the finest singers in Ireland and Scotland. The music ranges from the ultratraditional a cappella of Ray Fisher to the techno beat of Talitha MacKenzie. This collection overcomes the potentially jarring musical transitions such a wide stylistic gap can create by skillfully choosing songs that have slower tempos and similar themes. Sorrow and longing are the threads that tie traditional performances like Dolores Keane's "The Low Low Lands of Holland" and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill's "Martha, the Flower of Sweet Strabane" to more modern songs like Susan McKeown's "Banks of Claudy" and Antoinette McKenna's "O Ro Song of the Sea." There are many laments and tragic ballads here, but the dignity and emotional power of the singers keep the songs from becoming mere tearjerkers. This is music to listen to in solitude, perhaps when you are trying to mend a broken heart. --Michael Simmons

Tracks:

Aililiu Na Gamhna - Cathy Jordan
Martha, The Flower Of Sweet Strabane - Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill
The Low Low Lands Of Holland - Dolores Keane
Sraid An Chloig - Karan Casey
Far Over The Forth - Ray Fisher
Banks Of Claudy - Susan McKeown
When I Was A Fair Maid - Triona Ni Dhomhnaill
3 Things - Talitha MacKenzie
I'd Cross The Wild Atlantic - Frances Black
Gaoth Barra Na Dtonn - Maire Ni Bhraonain
The Jug Of Punch - Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh
Lovely Willie - Cathie Ryan
The Boys Of Barr Na Sraide - Niamh Parsons
O Ro Song Of The Sea - Antoinette McKenna

Amazon.com

The second volume of Voices of Celtic Women features some of the finest singers in Ireland and Scotland. The music ranges from the ultratraditional a cappella of Ray Fisher to the techno beat of Talitha MacKenzie. This collection overcomes the potentially jarring musical transitions such a wide stylistic gap can create by skillfully choosing songs that have slower tempos and similar themes. Sorrow and longing are the threads that tie traditional performances like Dolores Keane's "The Low Low Lands of Holland" and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill's "Martha, the Flower of Sweet Strabane" to more modern songs like Susan McKeown's "Banks of Claudy" and Antoinette McKenna's "O Ro Song of the Sea." There are many laments and tragic ballads here, but the dignity and emotional power of the singers keep the songs from becoming mere tearjerkers. This is music to listen to in solitude, perhaps when you are trying to mend a broken heart. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Holding up Half the Sky: Voices of Celtic Women II.......2005-04-16

This is an absolutely excellent CD. The last song is my most favorite, but they all are really great.

Celtic Music Fan.......2002-01-03

This is a great CD. I find it's one I turn to often when I want to hear beautiful, soothing music. The singers' present wonderful ballads and laments, evoking powerful images and emotions. Even though it features several different performers, there is a seamless quality to the CD itself - each song seems to fit in perfectly with the others.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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