Celtic Dance

Celtic Dance

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This collection features an upbeat set of tunes from a nice variety of Celtic players. The focus is on dance and Blair Douglas gets things off on the right foot with the percussion-rich piece "The Landlord's Walk" before accordionist John Whelan steps in with some jigs and reels. Highlights of this mostly instrumental acoustic album include Old Blind Dogs' spirited medley, Kim Robertson's crystalline harp on the song "Molly on the Shore", the Alasdair Frasier and Paul Machlis tracks, and the "Cregg's Pipes" set by Tabache. Overall this is a thoroughly enjoyable album. --Jeff Grubb

Tracks:

Cry Of The Celts
Suil A Ruin
Celtic Dream
Warriors
Gypsy
Breakout
The Lord Of The Dance
Spirit In The New World
Fiery Nights
Lament
Siamsa
Our Wedding Day
Stolen Kiss
Nightmare
Victory
Cry Of The Celts
The Lord Of The Dance

Amazon.com

Part showtunes, part classical, and part folk music, Ronan Hardiman's score to Lord of the Dance, the musical starring dancer Michael Flatley, successfully avoids all the inherent pitfalls of such an enterprise. Hardiman has emerged as Ireland's finest interpreter of traditional music for films, TV, and the theater, and under his guidance the 19 lush orchestral tunes, augmented with many traditional instruments, are rife with the spirit of the Emerald Isle. Two of the tracks feature the taps of Flatley and Co, while the rest highlight the score as composed by Hardiman with all its subtle textures intact and not masked by the live sound of tap dancing. Lord of the Dance is a perfect and very listenable fusion of Broadway and the indigenous heritage of Irish music making. --Derek Rath

Customer Reviews:

Incredible!.......2006-12-09

If you liked Riverdance, you'll love this. After listening to the free samples on this site, I badgered my mum into buying the CD. From the minute I put it on my walkman, I loved it. The way the composer mixes traditional instruments like fiddles with modern instruments like Saxophones and Keyboards is amazing. This gives the music a thicker feel, pushing it way above Riverdance. Whether you have Celtic blood or not you will love it!
Tracks 16 and 17 are especially brilliant with the fast tapping of Michael Flately's feet along with the rest of the Troop. I really want to see the show now!
Buy it or miss out on some of the best music around.

Awesome.......2006-10-28

I love Riverdance. I would give this cd a 10 if there was a 10 to rate it. Go IRISH!

THIS should've been LOTR's soundtrack.......2006-06-15

While Howard Shore's soundtrack for "Lord of the Rings" got him an Oscar,Ronan Hardiman SHOULD'VE composed the epic trilogy's music.Ronan Hardiman has an instinctive sense of rhythm&motion for his music.This music is PERFECT for Michael Flatley's dancing feet--or the hobbits' shaggy ones.

"Cry of the Celts" is a perfect epic opening.It's primal,beautiful.Shouldn't it have been the background for the opening sequence when Galadriel speaks of the forging of the One Ring?

"Warriors" is wonderfully ominous.It would've been a memorable theme for orcs&uruk-hai.And of course,Sauron.

"Gypsy" is sexy.It could've fit the scenes between Aragorn&Arwen,or Frodo&Galadriel.It's Celtic spice.

"Fiery Nights" shows that yes,saxophones can be great in Celtic music.Would've been great,and sensual,for the Mirror of Galadriel scene as well as Frodo's vision of Galadriel in Mordor.

"Lament" is elegaic.

"Siamsa" is celebratory music.Would've fit ANY of the happy endings at the end of "Return of the King." Why not Sam&Rose's wedding?

"Stolen Kiss","Nightmare"&"Victory" would have fit the finale.

Ronan Hardiman KNOWS Celtic music deeply in his artistry.He had experience with soundtracks before doing this score.He's capable of conveying epic themes.This is a must-listen-to album!

Celtic Crazy!.......2006-04-19

I have just about worn out this cd listening to it. When I got to see Lord of the Dance in person, I really had not had any sort of appreciation for celtic music. That performance and this cd changed all of that for me. The music is majestic and stirs emotion that spans all feelings. The music tells the story and each time I listen to it I can actually see the performers dancing that piece. Having a bad day? Just listen to this cd. The world will suddenly be a better place!

better soundtrack than riverdance.......2006-03-06

I saw 'riverdance' & while i thoroughly enjoyed the show, I agree with the other reviews that the soundtrack was lacking so I took the advice & picked up 'Lord of Dance' soundtrack (without having seen the show) & WOW - fabulous! Definately, upbeat & what you want to hear. There is also some nice songs with a jazz feel to them. Great CD from beginning to end - a real feel good cd.

Average customer rating:

No where near as good as the first
Another Editorial Review
Stunning and extraordinary compilation, a must have!
AWESOME!
Wonderful

Pure Moods, Vol. II
Various Artists , Adiemus lll , Clannad , Craig Armstrong , Dave Koz , Delerium , Dream Academy , Loreena McKennitt , Massive Attack , and Various Others
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pure Moods, Vol. I
Pure Moods, Vol. III
Pure Moods, Vol. IV
Pure Moods: Celestial Celebration
Celtic Moods: A Celtic Companion to Pure Moods

ASIN: B00000DMH7
Release Date: 1998-11-17

Tracks:

The Mummers' Dance - Loreena McKennitt
Montezuma
The Cradlesong
Nightingale - Yanni
Life In A Northern Town - Dream Academy
Zarabanda (Saraband) - Adiemus lll
Euphoria (Firefly) - Delerium
Weatherstorm - Craig Armstrong
Teardrop (Edit) - Massive Attack
Theme From Harry's Game - Clannad
Chariots Of Fire
Breezin'
Emily - Dave Koz
2 The Night - Ottmar Liebert
Beyond The Invisible
The Mystic's Dream - Loreena McKennitt

Amazon.com

For listeners with a sincere interest in the broad variety of music loosely aligned under the New Age banner, Pure Moods II will strike your ears as something less than a high-concept showcase for the genre and more as a mulligan stew of easy-listening favorites. This is not necessarily a bad thing; yet a recording marketed to the general public as a comprehensive, current, state-of-the-art overview of atmospheric music shouldn't include such ill-fitting oddities as George Benson's "Breezin'," a lite-funk relic from 1976, or "Emily" from jazz saxophonist Dave Koz. Happily, the 77-minute, 16-track sampler offers far more items of interest than irritation. It reaches back to 1983 to remind us of an ahead-of-its-time display of Celtic mysticism from Clannad ("Theme from Harry's Game"), and it both opens and closes with superb selections from one of the genre's most admired artists, Loreena McKennitt--very appropriate since, one could argue, discussions on the future of New Age should both begin and end with McKennitt's name. Despite its few warts, Pure Moods II is a good listen overall. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

No where near as good as the first.......2007-06-14

I loved the first CD, so got the 2nd one. Quite dissapointed. I thought a handful of the songs on 2 were good, such as Firefly, but overall it just seems like they threw together a bunch of songs to sell a copy of a popular CD.

Another Editorial Review.......2006-11-06

"Pure Moods was such an unexpected success that it launched a number of spinoffs and, eventually (and perhaps somewhat inevitably), Pure Moods II. Although it isn't quite as consistent as its predecessor -- George Benson's 'Breezin`' feels out of place among among these atmospheric cuts, but not nearly as much as Massive Attack's menacing 'Teardrop' -- but fans of the first will still find it to quite enjoyable, especially since it features Vangelis' 'Chariots of Fire,' Loreena McKennitt's 'Mummer's Dance' and Dream Academy's 'Life in a Northern Town,' three major oversights from the first Pure Moods. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide"

Stunning and extraordinary compilation, a must have!.......2006-09-11

What a marvelous collection of mesmerizing music this is. I have been listening to this album all week, as I can't get it out of my head. Pure Moods are one my favorite collections as they bring awareness of similar music that goes together so well. The beauty of this album is the mix of music that evokes a certain mood, while not sounding all too similar.

Starting off with Loreena McKennitt's "The Mummers Dance" a hypnotic song from the first note that sounds like time travel from ancient Byzantium to the mystic Celtic seas followed by Montezuma, one of my favorite Cusco pieces. Cusco is a duet of two German keyboard players Michael Holm and Kristian Schultze who make their enigmatic music sound very original and South American. The music is not traditional; it's a mix of outer space, new age and pan flutes. Very interesting and incredibly likable.

"Nightingale" by Yanni is just incredible, every time I have it on I almost forget I am listening to music, I simply feel it and I am always amazed at how gorgeous it sounds and whenever I hear this song it feel like the first time I am hearing it as it stuns me.

Another favorite of mine, Adiemus makes an appearance, the interesting figment is that
the language is made up by Karl Jenkins, the sounds are not meant to distract the listener from the music. It is a mix of classical and world music with great freedom of movement and is the kind of music they use in breathtaking movie soundtracks.

Delerium's "Euphoria" almost sounds like a Madonna song, is lovely and spirited with a breath of enigma. There is also "The Weather Storm" by Craig Armstrong, another strong musical piece that does sound like an actual storm of music.

"Teardrop" by Massive Attack sounds like song everything knows they heard somewhere but they don't know what it is. My favorite part is the base beat, it sounds like the human heart.

The rest of the performers from Lovely and church like Clannad which make me feel like I am in an ancient monastery listening to the monks, to "Chariots of Fire" a classic from Vangelis to wonderful and earthy "Breezing" that sounds like the first day of spring to Enigma, to me the empress of New Age. This collection is stellar and each song is a 5 star to me.

This cd makes me happy; it's relaxing, lovely, and addictive and provides great inspiration when I need it to concentrate while I work on my art. Each song has been carefully hand picked to hit the listener with a magnitude of emotion and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who needs to sit back and be transported. The songs feel like caresses of ancient wind on the face and make me feel like I have been meditating for hours. Pure Moods is an excellent cd to pick up by someone who needs an introduction to new Age and relaxing music. So far this has been my favorite disc, but they are all lovely.

- Kasia S.

AWESOME!.......2006-09-06

If you are looking for meditation or tranquility from daily stress I recommend not only this CD, but the entire collection. I have all the Pure Moods collection and keep buying more New Age music. I feel I've invested my money in good music. I listen to pretty much anything from soft music, Rock, Salsa, Calypso to Dance-Techno music, but when I don't feel like listening to loud music, I listen to these CD collection, specially on a Sunday to reconnect with relaxation to start another heavy woking week. Also, if you like gospel, I'm sure you'll love these even though is not quite gospel music. You just reconnect yourself spiritually in this material world.

Wonderful.......2006-05-31

I bought this based on the cover, I was at a flea market and loved the purple and intersting artwork. Now I have lost the cover but know where the cd is at all times, only 4 songs are songs I could live without (11-14) the rest are wonderful, amazing and truly a joy to listen to. I will be checking out the samples of the other pure moods, to see which one I will make my own, next. A great way to relax after a stress filled day, or start the day listening on the drive to work.

Average customer rating:

GREAT!
A relaxing journey into our Colonial past
Fantastic!
Cold Mountain type music that's great

Colonial America

Manufacturer: Maggie's Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Early American Roots
The World Turned Upside Down
Music of the American Revolution: The Birth of Liberty
Celtic Roots
The Spirit of '76 and Ruffles and Flourishes

ASIN: B0000C9Z9X
Release Date: 2003-09-01

Tracks:

Rickett's Hornpipe/ Fishers Hornpipe
Maiden Lane/ Jack O' Lent/ Chestnut/Bonny Broom
Parting Friends/Primrose
Flowers of Edinburgh/East Neuke of Fife
Prelude / La Catherine
Planxty Browne/Planxty Burke
Cutie Clat Her
John Come Kiss me Now
Scots Tune
Carolan's Farewell to Music
A Port
Yeil, yeil
Kedron/Saint's Delight/Promised Land
Gird the Logie
La Belle Cavalier
La Luxillier/La Balanje
Federal Overture
Death & Life

Album Description

Spirited new sounds from across the sea to the shores of the New Land. From the first colonists to the American Revolution and the birth of our republic Hesperus Early Music Ensemble's music reflects a time of new ideas, freedom and vitality. In town and village, parlor and ballroom, from the Appalachians to the great concert halls hear the musical pulse of early American music performed on a wide variety of folk and early music instruments. Includes: lively country-dance tunes, evocative Shape Note Hymns, old time Appalachian fiddle tunes, graceful European parlor music, French cotillions, divisions and improvisations. Introduction -The English Colonies in America were a patchwork-not just of territories whose boundaries became state lines, but of people from different places and classes with widely different values and experiences. This recording presents music from that patchwork; from England, the Colonial homeland; Scotland and Ireland, the homes of the largest groups of immigrants outside England; and France, the ally of the Patriots, and music written in the United States. More recordings by HESPERUS from Maggie's Music are Celtic Roots featuring Scottish fiddler, Bonnie Rideout and Early American Roots. Hesperus Ensemble is THE sought after musical group for period music that is both authentic, and most important fun, lively and spirited. They are frequent performers at the Smithsonian's Institute of American Music and can be heard on the soundtrack or the Paramount film with Johnny Depp entitled Sleepy Hollow! Excerpts from liner notes:2.A Set of English Country Dance Tunes: Maiden Lane, Jack O'Lent, Chestnut, Bonny Broom - The visionary London music publisher John Playford first published his English Dancing Master in 1651. It was reprinted 18 times over the next 77 years and is still popular today. 3. Parting Friends/Primrose - These tunes have come down to us in choral arrangements called shape-note hymns .

Customer Reviews:

GREAT!.......2007-05-20

This cd travels everywhere with me and you can easily imagine a ball at Monticello given by Mr. Jefferson when you hear it.
Try not to daydream too much while driving as i had done several times..lol..it's hard not to with this cd..:)
Perfect for a colonial reenactment or party.

A relaxing journey into our Colonial past.......2006-03-16

I bought this CD to provide me with another dimension to my studies of period events. It truly contains a wealth of music, and takes it place as an important addition to my musical library. Living in the Mt Vernon area, I often travel with the CD playing while visiting historical places, and it provides a wonderful companion to "set the mood" for the myriad locations in the area. The quality of the sound is remarkable, the musicians superb, and the breadth of song selection provides a musical landscape for the period. Highly recommended!!

Fantastic!.......2004-03-04

I first heard the "Colonial America" CD by Hesperus when I visited Monticello recently (the home of Thomas Jefferson) where they were playing the songs in the gift shop. Imagine my dismay to find that only one cassette tape was left of the fabulous music of Hesperus; however, that tape held me spell-bound all the way home, from Virginia to North Carolina.

It was an incredible journey from the past that has stayed with me since, and every day I drive that one hour back and forth to work. This music has changed everything about the trips, and I can't wait for more.

Thanks to Amazon.com I was able to buy all three CD's, including "Early American Roots," "Colonial America" and the incredible "Celtic Roots" with the most beautiful violas imaginable.

Thank you Hesperus! Please play more!

Cold Mountain type music that's great.......2003-11-15

Novels and movies like Cold Mountain, Oh Brother Where Art Thou? and Song Catchers are showing the growing interest in traditional music and this recording hits the mark. It is music from the days of early America--the time when the first colonists come to America. You can hear the fiddle playing tunes still popular in the Appalachian mountains today and also hear shape note music arranged by Hesperus as wonderful instrumentals. The music takes you to a time when folks were making music in their homes-before TV, before the internet! This recording is good for teachers or educational purposes too- with informative liner notes. All the music is played on folk and early music instruments and it's lively and an enjoyable listen.

Average customer rating:

Required Listening for Fans of Prior & Tabor
Bad start, good album.
short, but sweet
A classic I will never outgrow

No More to the Dance
Maddy Prior , and June Tabor
Manufacturer: Shanachie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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Silly Sisters
Hang Up Sorrow & Care
Arthur the King
Bib & Tuck
Heydays

ASIN: B000000E7U
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

What Will We Do?
The Barring Of The Door
Blood And Gold/Mohacs
Cakes And Ale
Agincourt Carol/La Route Au Beziers
How Shall I Your True Love Know?
Hedger And Ditcher
The Old Miner
Almost Every Circumstance
Fine Horseman
Rosie Anderson
Somewhere Along The Road

Customer Reviews:

Required Listening for Fans of Prior & Tabor.......2006-07-05

Looking this up, just out of curiosity, I was surprised by the small number of reviews. I knew it was no commercial blockbuster, but fans of both traditional and contemporary folk music NEED to hear this! I love both Maddy Prior and June Tabor, and have sought out almost all of their work, together and separately, and with their various other bands and side projects. Of the two, I prefer Tabor as a solo artist. Prior is best, in my opinion, on the first several albums with Steeleye Span, but she has some really good solo records as well (especially CHANGING WINDS and FLESH & BLOOD). Together, these women can't be beat. It's just too bad there are so few releases by Silly Sisters (their name as a duo). NO MORE TO THE DANCE is a real pleasure, despite a slightly weak opener. For those who know SILLY SISTERS, their first project together, but not this much later follow-up, I urge you to seek it out. It is different; less traditional and more atmospheric. I happen to like it better, although both albums come highly recommended. My favorites are the bouncy "Hedger and Ditcher," and the equally melodic "Almost Every Circumstance," with their memorable tunes and witty lyrics. The most beautiful song is a hypnotic "Fine Horseman." The last two tracks consist of a solo each by June and Maddy, and, though nice, are not really needed. The original cassette tape, that I first owned, did not include these numbers, and I don't think they were on the LP, either, so I guess they were added exclusively for the CD reissue to add length to a rather short program. If you just can't get enough of the Silly Sisters, love June Tabor, and are willing to shell out the bucks, there are a handful of previously unreleased Prior/Tabor duets on June's excellent 4-CD boxed set, ALWAYS.

Bad start, good album........2002-01-26

If this album didn't open with a version of "What Will We Do?" that I can most politely describe as weak, it would be a far better album. I skip this track on most listenings. It's miserable, the voices are clashing as often as harmonizing.

The album them begins to redeem itself with a light piece about a husband and wife and the langths they'll go to keep a bet. Humour-wise, it doesn't bear up to multiple listenings, but it has some pleasant harmonies and a nice instrumental background.

Then comes Blood and Gold/Mohacs. And here is where the Sisters hit their stride; this song disturbed me on first hearing, wowed me on second, and I have nevr tired of it. It's gorgeous. The song is grim, the performance equally so, but also beautiful. The instrumental is lush, a perfect complement. This song, and a similar treatment of The Agincourt Carol/Le Route Des Beziers (opening with the instrumental part), are probably the two highlights of the album.

Then there is the sad "How Should I your True Love Know?", words taken straight from Ophelia in Hamlet, and "Fine Horseman", half-dreamlike lyrics with a definite taste of death and poverty. More grim beauty in both, and quite lovely - though it is a good thing the entire album isn't so grim as those four!

But then there's "Cakes and Ale", and "Hedger and Ditcher", are well-performed and lighthearted songs about wooing - or failing to woo in the latter case. Maddy Prior's closing piece, "Somewhere Along the Road" is a lovely simple tune.

Unfortunately, there are a few other weak points in the album - "Old Miner" takes the tragic tone of other songs, and makes it dreary, and "Rosie Anderson", sung by June alone, is just too too too long.

However, even these are listenable: technically excellent, albeit a poor choice of material.

I don't know what happened to that poor song that started the album, since through all the rest, the voices are clean and lovely, and the musicians crisp.

short, but sweet.......2000-12-28

This follow-up album to their first joint effort "Silly Sisters" found Tabor and Prior still in fine voice after the ten year plus gap. I found the material just a bit weaker this time, however (despite ranging well out of the folk tradition), and the singers perhaps a little less involved. The instrumental backing on this album is quite different from the first album, moreover, with more of a 'New Age' feel to it, in part due to the very interesting guitar work of Dan Ar Braz. If you liked the first album, you'll probably like this one as well--but be forewarned: the lp version of this title was *very* short, timewise (one side being hardly over ten minutes in length), and the addition of two new cuts only brings the project up to being describable as "short." Perhaps someone might contemplate releasing *both* Silly Sister projects on one cd?--there's room.

A classic I will never outgrow.......1999-10-23

This album (CD now) is a rare treat - the voices of these two gifted singers compliment each other beautifully in selections throughout - The songs are rich and subtle and almost every one blends gracefully into the next - The instruments never overwhelm the voices but are wonderfully quirky and varied and give the album its medieval sort of flair- I believe (and listeners out there please correct me if I'm wrong) Maddy Prior and June Tabor have only done two albums together - I bought this one first, loved it, backed up and bought the first album, and now hope mightily for a third someday.

Average customer rating:

sounds of japan
Beautyful relaxing CD
The Enchanted Forest: Melodies of Japan
a posie placed on a political border
a touch of the irish

The Enchanted Forest: Melodies of Japan
Fujikake , Japanese Traditional , Anonymous , James Galway , Hiro Fujikake , Michael Askill , and Greg White
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Japanese Melodies for Flute and Harp
Japanese Folk Melodies
James Galway ~ Meditations
Celtic Minstrel
The Wind Beneath My Wings

ASIN: B000003ES2
Release Date: 1990-02-20

Tracks:

The Enchanted Forest
Lyrical Short Piece
Nakasendo (The Old Road)
Zui Zui Zukkorobashi (Children's Play Song)
Star Children
Song Of The Deep Forest (Improvisation)
Tokuyama Lullaby
Hietsuki Bushi (Love Song)
Usuhiki Uta (Song of the Mill)
Love Song
Echoes
Song of Clay
Harukoma (Spring Horse-Dance)
Sakura (Cherry Blossom)
Romantic World

Customer Reviews:

sounds of japan.......2007-01-13

being a lover of good music i was surprised to see this cd. i listened to some of the selections and decided this was an excellent piece for my parents. being of japanese descent i am always looking for music from japan to enhance my cultural appreciation. my parents truly love this cd.

Beautyful relaxing CD.......2006-03-16

I used this cd while massaging patients in a local hospital. Everyone just loved it.I bought extra for family. Just Great!

The Enchanted Forest: Melodies of Japan.......2005-10-22

I would not rate this the very best James Galway CD but it does contain the best song I have heard him play. Cut #3, Nakasendo (The Old Road) is worth the price of the CD alone. While Hietsuki Bushi (Love Song) and Song of the Deep Forest are also excellent, I never tire of listening to The Old Road. Hiro Fujikake on synthesizers combined with the flute of James Galway makes this a very pleasing collection of music.

a posie placed on a political border.......2002-05-19

I don't DISLIKE this cd, but really it is a poor interpretation of Japanese flute music. It sounds more like an uninspired Enya clone than traditional Japanese music. No matter how many times I listened to it, it never could really interest me enough to be more of my life than another cd in my scrapped CD's pile.

a touch of the irish.......2002-05-11

no need to compare rampal to galway,, two masters here, and on this cd, galway continues to demonstrate his tremendous talent and world wide appeal. without rampal , he is now the worlds greatest flautist , period

Average customer rating:

Excellent Recording by a World Class Brass Ensemble
A rousing listen!
A jolly, festive jaunt through Renaissance & Celtic fare!
Problems with audio mixing
Make your baby boogie!

King's Court and Celtic Fair
Giulio Caccini , Donald Macleod , Domenico Scarlatti , Henry Purcell , Jean-Philippe Rameau , John Newton , Darren Acosta , Kenneth Amis , Gordon Bell , Jeffrey Curnow , Lucia Garcia , Donald F. Lindsay , Rolf Smedvig , Kurt Wortman , Rick Tiven , Joel Brown , John Sauer , Alannah Fitzgerald , Shapiro, Jared , and Empire Brass Quintet
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Class Brass - On The Edge
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Class Brass
The World Sings: An Empire Brass Christmas

ASIN: B000003D0J
Release Date: 1996-03-26

Tracks:

Calum And The Princess Jig
Basse Danse Bergeret
13th Century
Earle Of Oxford's Marche
Hamelin Gigue
Samhradh, Summertime
Amarilli Mia Bella
The Seagull Jig
La Mourisque
He-Ro-Hirum
He Moved Thro' The Fair
Sarabande
King Arthur Overture
Cumulous Sanctus
The Foxhunter Jig
Tambourin
Les Niais De Sologne
Amazing Grace
Bonus Track: Joy

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Recording by a World Class Brass Ensemble.......2005-12-27

The Empire Brass Quintet is one of the leading Brass ensembles in the world today, and this album showcases why. Their intonation, blending, sense of phrase, unity of sound, and beauty of tone is unparalleled. If you have any appreciation for Brass ensemble literature and/or Celtic music in general, this album weds the two in a superb example of tasteful musicianship.

A rousing listen!.......2004-04-17

I've owned this recording for years. My family and I absolutely love the lively renditions. Ignore the naysayers - sample this CD and you'll love it too!

A jolly, festive jaunt through Renaissance & Celtic fare!.......2002-11-29

The Empire Brass Quintet's arrangements for trumpets, French horn, trombone and tuba, are--if not exactly period--pleasingly creative, crossing cultural and temporal boundaries with natural ease. Adding zest to the recording is the outrageously lively and exotic percussion (both acoustic and electronic) of Kurt Wortman, as well as bagpipes, drums, vocals, violin, cello, recorder and guitar provided by a host of other guest artists. This music is not meant to be historically authentic, but just plain fun. And it is! I picked this up on impulse in a bookstore because of the whimsical cover art, and it turned out to be one of my favorite purchases in years. Give it a sampling and see for yourself!

Problems with audio mixing.......2002-07-03

The audio mixing engineer did a terrible job on this one. The drummer sounds like he was placed in a large empty hall with the microphone 2 inches away. His rat-a-tat completely overwhelms the music.

Make your baby boogie!.......1999-10-01

The songs on this album are a delicious swirl of brass, drums, and bagpipes. My one-year-old can't resist bouncing and jiggling along with the music, which makes me love it even more. Their rendition of "Amazing Grace" gives me goosebumps every time I hear it, which is pretty often! The songs have a festive feel, making this a great alternative to the stereotypical selections on most holiday CDs.

Average customer rating:

Beware of sellers with "rare" versions...
Beyond Magical!
for the modern celtic soul :)
The Mystic's Dream
SIMPLY MAGICAL!

The Mummers' Dance
Loreena McKennitt
Manufacturer: Warner Bros. / WEA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000062TT
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

The Mummers' Dance (Single Version)
The Mummers' Dance (Album Version)
The Mystic's Dream

Customer Reviews:

Beware of sellers with "rare" versions..........2007-03-14

I absolutely love the remix on this single. But be careful when buying from the sellers here. They want to charge you from $10 for a used copy to $60 for a new copy. You can just buy it from Loreena's web site for under $10, brand new.

Beyond Magical!.......2005-12-10

10 1/2 Stars! Loreena McKennitt has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard! Magical is a wonderful word to describe her music but it doesn't even do it justice. She will elevate your spirit and leave you awe-struck with emotion! In my humble opinion, only Van, Joni, Marley and Dylan can stand beside her in music!

Gypsy
[...]

for the modern celtic soul :).......2004-10-23

Loreena's music, whether the Mummer's Dance or any of her various albums, touch my soul like no other music has ever done. The radio version of the song is well-known (and is energetic and up-lifting - no doubt) but for those of you with that day-dream fantasy of the mysterious celtic life, Loreena has so many other songs that transport you to another world...and to Annon from below - don't review celtic music if you review (and love) Britney Spears and Shania Twain!

The Mystic's Dream.......2004-01-22

I bought this single years ago and only listened to the first two tracks. I started to listen to "The Mystic's Dream" numerous times, but found the chanting boring.

Well, one day while I was cleaning, I decided to put the CD in, and listened to tracks 1 and 2,and when track 3 came on, I didn't stop it as I was in the middle of dusting. After about three minutes, Loreena started singing, and I was blown away!

I learned my lesson: always listen to all the songs on a CD. You never know when an obscure one may jump out and be your favorite!

SIMPLY MAGICAL!.......2003-10-17

When I Saw this video on MTV Latino a year later it was release, I fell in love with this song!, I had to buy the album, but then the single was available, this song is going to take you on a journey!, great voice!, great taste.....simply magical!

Average customer rating:

Spirit Dance to Love
Awesome & Incredible!!!

Spirit Dance
Theresa Griffith
Manufacturer: Theresa Griffith
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Healing the Whole Man Handbook: Effective Prayers for Body, Soul, and Spirit
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ASIN: B000093I7Y
Release Date: 2000-03-19

Tracks:

Longing Of The Soul
Awakening
Expectations
Shadows
Perils Of The Night
Oracle Of The King
Spirit Dance
Healing Touch
Morning Star
Living Water
Sweet Air
Celestial City: The Journey

Album Description

Starts out at 60 beats per minute and continues on in this tender mode for 20 minutes before gently lifting the mood by slowly bring the tempo up for 20 minutes. The effect is one of which uplifts the soul, which helps counter depression. Ends with 20 minutes of some of the most relaxing music you'll ever hear, recorded again at 60 beats per minute.

Bass Flute, C Flute, Dove Flute and Penny Whistle with Piano, harp and cello accompaniment.

Customer Reviews:

Spirit Dance to Love .......2006-03-14

Theresa Griffith has done it again, so much healing comes with the love overflowing out of CD, like coming out and touching one's heart, not enough Love in this World, but T H is making a difference with this music Love it Love it and to share. Like sending a Valentine for the whole year. Amen

Awesome & Incredible!!!.......2006-03-13

I just went to a Theresa Griffith concert on 3/10 & 3/11/06 in Santa Maria, CA!(I had never heard of Theresa or her music.)
I think I purchased almost every CD she had at the concert!!!!
Spirit Dance is "Supernatural, Awesome & Incredible"!
Without leaving your home/car you can go to her Physician, be Encouraged, Counseled and feel like you just had a full body Massage and More! It speaks Truth & Life, as it really uplifts your heart, soul, and spirit! I'll be patient for the DVD of Theresa playing at a castle in France!!!...it will be out in a month or so! Spirit Dance will make YOUR spirit..Dance! Please make more music Theresa & Jeff! It really is out of this World! Thank you!!! xox

Average customer rating:

Strong and Subtle album

Mystic Dance: A Celtic Celebration
Maggie Sansone
Manufacturer: Maggie's Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Celtic Meditations: Into the Light
A Traveler's Dream: Celtic Explorations
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Traditions
Music In The Great Hall: Instrumental Music From The Ancient Celtic Lands

ASIN: B000182FNG
Release Date: 2004-01-06

Tracks:

Maiznet (Maytime)
Douce Dame Jolie (Fair Sweet Lady)
Give Me Your Hand
Mystic Dance
Bonny at Morn
Goddesses
Welsh Set (7-8):Welsh March
Welsh Reel (Ffaniglen)
Persian dialogue
Carolan's Quarrel with the Landlady
South Uist Reel
Hunter's Purse
Otter's Holt
Improvisation in 3 parts
Celtic Wedding: March of King of Laoise
Bridal Jig
Random Notes
Draper's Maggot
Waterfall Waltz

Album Description

One of the America's most exciting hammered dulcimer players recording today, Sansone performs on the extended range chromatic hammered dulcimer with damper pedals. The percussive melodious sounds of her wooden mallets dancing across over seventy wire strings brings a special beauty to her music. Sansone has wowed audiences for over twenty years and this, her most ambitious project and 11th recording takes the hammered dulcimer to a new level. Sansone's virtuoso playing techniques and diverse charms, a combination of great warmth and melancholy, spare lines and densely fascinating instrumentation has garnered much praise from the media. Women Today said "…Maggie Sansone Breathes Immediacy Into The Past...interprets the folk idiom on an ancient instrument with a modern voice, and retains the integrity of both."

As on the her last CD- A Traveler's dream, producer Bob Read brings his creativity as a producer and musician together, complete with his arsenal of instruments which includes bass clarinet, clarinet, alto flute, piccolo, soprano sax, accordion, piano, synthesizer, organ and percussion. Label artists Karen Ashbrook on hammered dulcimer, Irish flute and pennywhistle, Sue Richards on Celtic harp, Paul Oorts on guitar, cittern, mandolin and musette accordion and Robin Bullock on guitar and cittern make guest appearances. Other guests include Sarah Read on Irish fiddle and cello and Ian Lawther on Northumbrian pipes. In keeping with the album's theme of love and celebration, the music includes: 13th century medieval music by the two most famous French and German composers of courtly love; jigs, reels from ancient Celtic lands of Northumberland, Wales, Ireland and Scotland; mesmerizing improvisations on the Persian santur, duets with both dulcimers, Celtic harp music by legendary! Irish bards Rory Dall O'Cathain (1570-1650) and Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738) and a Celtic Wedding Set.

"I wanted to take the hammered dulcimer to the edge of possibility." Maggie says. "With my producer Bobby Read, we created multi layer textures and explored sounds produced with the expanded range and versatility of both the chromatic dulcimer with damper pedals and the dense ornamentation, unique playing style, techniques and scales associated with the Persian santur." Her introduction in the CD booklet further explains, "Since recording A Travelers Dream, I have been exploring the interconnection music expresses between people of all cultures. Along my musical journey, I discovered how closely we're all drawn together by music's universal language. Mystic Dance, Persian Dialogue and Improvisation express an exchange between musical instruments from two distant cultures, related by a common mystical thread. The Celtic Wedding Set is a tribute to all the joyous occasions at which I have performed. Enjoy another chapter in my life-long musical journey

Customer Reviews:

Strong and Subtle album .......2004-07-28

This was the album that prompted me to hire Maggie Sansone and three musicians to accompany her for my wedding last weekend. Having gone to the Maryland Renn Faire for over ten years, I have long been around her playing and have found her compositions both ancient in their appeal and near perfection for anyone interested in primarily medievalesque and Celtic pieces. This album varies a bit more from her others, touching into some more middle eastern themes (which worked well for the belly dancer) as well as reaching into some more tribal themes to a light extent. If you are looking for more traditional Celtic dulcimer I recommend Into the Light. She does one thing I particularly enjoy that other Celtic/medieval musicians do not, while the songs on her albums compliment and flow well together, she does not have the simple variations on a theme that many artists do after recording two to three solid tracks. Each song is fresh, crisp, and with an air of its own. I highly recommend if you have enjoyed artists such as John Doan and Loreena McKennit (instrumental, not vocal pieces). We will be hiring them for another performance later this year, they brought such vitality and spirit to their music I am sure you will be swept up by it.

Average customer rating:

The closest thing to a great, live performance.
Whelan the great!
A Return Home
Good Celtic dance music
Absolutely Brilliant !!!!!!

Come To Dance: A Celtic Tradition
John Whelan
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000I417
Release Date: 1999-02-23

Tracks:

Jackie Coleman's/Bag Of Spuds/Bird In The Bush
The Broadstone Inn/Big Snugs/Beth Patterson's
The Turning Of The Season
The Crooked Road To Dublin/Dinkey Dorina/Gan Aimn (Traditional, Title Unknown)/The Copperplatet
Frances O'Neill's/Fesse And Franchesca's Miracle/Stop The Car
Tracks In The Snow/The Nightlight
Fermoy Lasses/The Old High Reel
Queen Esther's/What Daddy? April's Polka
Simone
Crossing The Shannon/Man Of The House/The Five Mile Chase
Mary O'Neill's Bank Of Ireland/Ballinamore
Bob's Garden Of Earthly Delights/Broderick's
Concert Reel/Flogging Reel
Dowd's Favourite/O'Gorman's Salute/My Cup Of Coffee
Ten Penney Bit/Trip To Athlone/Callaghe's Frolics
Newtown Bridge/The Kerryman
Father O'Flynn/Father Tom's Wager/Lilting Fisherman
Spellan The Fiddler/Gan Aimn/Deacon Hary Doyle

Amazon.com

A U.S.-dwelling Brit of Irish descent, John Whelan is one of Celtic music's premier performers. He elevates the genre with a sensitivity to melody uninhibited by overpreciousness. The self-taught, nimble-fingered accordion player and tunesmith engages his audience with warmth, clarity, and a joyful liveliness too seldom encountered. Come to Dance, recorded live with no overdubs in his hometown church, marries Whelan's delightfully airy squeezebox meanderings to his band's equally skilled guitar, mandolin, bass, and fiddle, underscored by whistle and Cillian Vallely's pipes as featured on track 14's medley--a moment of rare and genuine beauty. Captured herein is the generosity of spirit and playful electricity of soulful worship, community gathering, and celebration of the creative life force. Traditionals, including the first song Whelan ever learned ("Father Flynn") and the tune he played for his first All-Ireland Championship ("The Concert Reel"), are interspersed with captivating originals that showcase not only Whelan but the band as elements of a contiguous whole. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

The closest thing to a great, live performance........2003-03-06

John Whelan is a seven time all-Ireland Champion on the button accordian. He has been playing since childhood, and is now at the point of fluid playing that he can go off stage into the audience and play without missing a beat. His warm hearted playing goes with his warm hearted presence on stage with his audience. Think of your favorite pub with someone playing like this non stop for extended periods with total focus and instinct for the music and fellow musicians in the band. It could be a one track album as John goes into the "happy pub zone." Please listen for the doubles and triplets that are the benchmark for Irish playing. Listen for the counterpoint Bouzouki (deep voiced Octave Mandolin) and guitar. Listen for his long time music companion, Eileen Ivers and exceptional fiddle shared lead and counterpoint. If you think it is easy, it is because John makes it look and sound that way after so many years of playing. Recording an album in such a short period of time without the usual retakes indicates an artist at the top of his form. The music is spiced generously for a few tracks by the master (Ullienne) piper, Cillian Vallely. What endears me to listen to John's music so often is an all acoustic instrument approach. No electrical appliances. It is one of the few CD's I listen to and play through all of the tracks with no exceptions. I add Bodhran and bones to the music, which is fun. However, at the top of my wish list is John teaming up with Johnny McDonnaugh or Tommy Hayes on Bodhran and bones.

Whelan the great!.......2002-02-18

This album is as beautiful as his other albums. Something to take w/you on a long or short drive. The albums contains a number of great Celtics selections which all in all show Whelan's love for the music. This CD should be followed by any of his other collections. My compulsion to buy them is equal to the greatness they contain. If your not a fan you will be.

A Return Home.......2000-01-07

This CD is lovely. Now that John's gone round the world building musical bridges, this is a welcome return to his traditional roots.

My particular favorite would probably be the flying set of reels on track 4 - with, I might add, a deft key switch smack in the middle of the third reel in the set, which would call for a good 'whoop' from a seisiún hopping girl like myself. Well done, John. :)

Oh, by the way, you can also make plans for kicking up some dust with The Fermoy Lasses and The Old High Reel on 7.

And there's a grace about the album as a whole, too. Mr. Whelan doesn't insist upon keeping the spotlight to himself when he's quite obviously joined by some fine players. I got to witness this personally in September 1999 in Bethlehem, PA when he cut loose the All Ireland fiddling champion on us. :) He's perfectly content to sit back and let others play, which is as it should be. Lovely guitar work on track 5, and some fine mandolin on 6, and citern (something you don't hear every day) on track 16. Never mind the show stopping piping and fiddling on 14.

And there's a great instrumentation savvy as well. It's nearly Bothy Band-ish in orchestral quality. (mind you, coming from me, that's a compliment and a half) Catch some of that on tracks 11 and 12. There's a lovely sonic raport between the acordion and low whistle that I've always loved, and that's brilliantly displayed on tracks 8 and 9.

So leave Danny Boy to the reviewer at the bottom of this page. If it's truly fine traditional playing you're after, then just buy the album. I promise, it'll have you "dancing to a lot of time." :)

Good Celtic dance music.......1999-10-05

The music here would be best done in front of a live audience, but thie is good Celtic dance music. It lacks the pinache of Silly Wizard, but you still et a good feel for the "stutter step" style of playing on the fiddle.

Absolutely Brilliant !!!!!!.......1999-04-07

John really put the hammer down and put out a fantastic traditional CD! I haven't had it out of my player since I got it! A Cd that is a must for the serious collector of traditional irish accordion music !!

Music Review:

Music Review

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