Celtic Rose

Track Listings

1. The Celtic Spirit

2. Roserain Red and Violet Blue

3. Heart In Hand

4. The Paisley Shawl

5. Standing Stones

6. The Bonnie Prince of Why

7. Innisfree

8. The Celtic Rose

9. Bonnie and Her Bold Companion

10. Maiden In The Meadow Mist

11. By The River

12. On Me Mother's Grave

13. The Rowan Wood

14. The Celtic Spirit (reprise)

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Marita Brake is the audio equivalent of a walk in the country on a breezy summer day. Rock and Reel magazine(Ireland)said, her voice is both elegant and free flowing, showing a soulful individuality. Her music is romantic and hauntingly timeless. Critics have hailed her as sheerly poetic delightfully inventive. Marita has just released, The Celtic Rose(2005)and has one previous release ,Gypsymoon. Think Eva Cassidy Loreena McKennitt or Enya. She has perfomed at Carnegie Hall, Presidential Inaugurals and has toured extensively in the US and UK. Also featured in People magazine and has garnered national attention for several projects for PBS.

Product Description
Marita Brake is Celtic Music\'s bright,new,shining star! This CD is a haunting, mystical meander through all things emerald green. From the opening track, The Celtic Spirit, a rousing, panoramic anthem that will make you want to change your ancestory if you're not Irish to Brake\'s stunning vocals(think Loreena McKennitt or Enya)this release is aromatherapy for the ears. Celtic Rose features fourteen self-penned, original tracks from Brake and her collaborator, Kent Thompson. A delightful tour de Celt. Great for the the armchair traveler.

Celtic Rose,Marita Brake,The Orchard,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop

Celtic Rose

Tracks:

Way To Mandalay
3 Black Crows
Diamonds And Rust
Cartouche
Queen For A Day (Part 1)
Queen For A Day (Part 2) (Instrumental)
Ivory Tower
Nur Eine Minute (Instrumental)
Ghost Of A Rose
Mr. Peagram's Morris And Sword (Instrumental)
Loreley
Where Are We Going From Here
Rainbow Blues
All For One
Dandelion Wine

Album Description

On Ghost Of A Rose, Blackmore and Candice Night present a fascinating combination of rock music, folk and melodies from the 16th century that is interesting in every note. Blackmore sees his songs as an homage to renaissance music, and his band transpose the multi-faceted music of the Middle Ages, which blends romanticism and mysticism, passion and enthusiasm, into their very own sound with acoustic and electric guitars, strings, renaissance instruments like hurdy-gurdy and bagpipe and Candice Night's beguiling voice. Features 16 tracks including a bonus video track of 'Way To Mandalay'. Minstrel Hall. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Extremely disappointing.......2007-06-26

I bought two of Blackmore Night's CDs on the strength of the one instrumental I heard on NPR- "Nur Eine Nacht". It was haunting, exquisite, the kind of music you never tire of listening to. Unfortunately almost all the other melodies on these tracks are vocals and the voice doesn't work with the music. For example, "Ivory Tower" is the kind of song that would surely be a blockbluster hit along the lines of Carmina Burana or Enya's medieval chant --it has that magnificence to the first couple of bars. But then the female voice comes in and the mood is busted. In addition, the lyrics are really bad. I don't know if it's on this CD or the other one I bought, but one of the beautiful melodies is ruined by the voice belting out something about "then you came along and there's color where there was black and white; movies where there was night." Really annoying. Without the voice and the lyrics, I am convinced the stunning melodies of Blackmore's Night would speak for themselves and shoot to the top of the charts.

Ghost of a Rose.......2007-01-10

A Blackmore's Night classic.

Most of the highlights from the Castles and Dreams DVD are here, Candace's vocals are strong and the guitar work is smooth. There is real feeling to many of the tracks.

The title track is a standout, and "All for One" makes a good sing along when caught in traffic. Go and buy it!

Chilling..........2006-09-14

Brilliant. This is Blackmore at his best. His most inspired work to date. "Cartouche", "Loreley" and "All for One" are among his classics. So are "Queen for a Day", "Dandelion Wine", "Way to Mandalay", "3 Black Crows" and the title track. Masterpieces all. One day, this CD (along with the DVD) will be looked back upon as the crowning achievement in the career of Blackmore's Night.

My only negative comment would be to leave off the cheap covers of Joan Baez and Jethro Tull. They pale in comparison to the originals. Particularly on "Rainbow Blues". On the original, Ian sings like his life depends on it. Here, the vocals fall somewhere under the rainbow.

Ghost of a Rose.......2006-08-02

Ritchie and Candy struck gold again with this cd, a great blend of the old with the new.

For what it is, it's pretty good.......2006-07-23

This is the first of the Blackmore's Night records I have listened to, but I know more or less everything Blackmore and the various incarnations of Deep Purple, Rainbow and earlier stuff he did. Blackmore is still a fine guitar player, and the Perfect Strangers style is here again, but in a medievel guise. The lyrics aren't wonderful (they don't often pass the read-it-out-loud test) but the music is stunningly well-produced, the vocals are beautiful, and a couple of songs are just about perfect in every way, the Diamonds & Rust cover being the best. The great thing about Ritchie Blackmore is that he usually outclasses faster guitar players by playing just the right notes, and he does it here again. Nice.

Average customer rating:

Three Cheers for the Irish!!!
Ellis Island song brings tears to my eyes
How Are Things In Glocca Morra?
How Are Things In Glocca Morra?
The Best Historical CD Ever!

Ellis Island
The Irish Tenors , Brendan Graham , Chauncey Olcott , Irish Traditional , Johnny Cash , John Francis Patterson , Dermot MacMurrough , C. Kirkham , Eric Bogle , Burton Lane , Thomas Osbourne Davis , Irving Berlin , and Frank McNamara
Manufacturer: Music Matters
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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Similar Items:

The Very Best of The Irish Tenors
The Irish Tenors / McNamara, McDermott, Kearns, Tynan
Live in Belfast
We Three Kings
Home for Christmas

ASIN: B000059TBG
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears
My Wild Irish Rose
Love Thee Dearest
Forty Shades of Green
Courtin' in the Kitchen
The Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Door
I'll Tell My Ma
Macushla
Slievenamon
The Green Fields of France
Trasna Na Dtonnta (Over The Waves)
Oro Se Do Bheatha Bhaile (Long Life to You on Your Homecoming)
An Poc Ar Buile (The Mad Goat)
The Rose of Tralee
The Old Bog Road
How Are Things In Glocca Morra
The Croppy Boy
A Nation Once Again
Let There Be Peace
Danny Boy
God Bless America

Product Description

1. Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears
2. My Wild Irish Rose
3. Love Thee Dearest
4. Forty Shades Of Green
5. The Courtin Medley
A. Courtin, In The Kitchen
B. The Stone Outside Dan Murphy s Door
C. I ll Tell My Ma
6. Macushla
7. Slievenamon
8. The Green Fields Of France
9. The Irish Medley
A. Transna Na Dtonnta (Over The Waves)
B. Oro Se Do Bheatha Bhaile (Long Life To You On Your Homecoming)
C. An Poc Ar Buile (The Mad Goat)
10. The Rose Of Tralee
11. The Old Bog Road
12. How Are Things In Glocca Morra
13. The Croppy Boy
14. A Nation Once Again
15. Let There Be Peace
16. Danny Boy
17. God Bless America

Format: CD

Amazon.com

The Irish Tenors' fourth album sees the trio of Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan, and Finbar Wright paying a sentimental musical tribute to Ellis Island, the hallowed landmark that met the majority of immigrants entering the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. Needless to say, the Tenors' repertoire this time around is full of reflective ballads of love, loss, and homesickness, including the original "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears" that opens this disc. Throughout this studio recording, the Irish Tenors are in fine form and backed by a soft-hued orchestra that never interferes with their soaring vocals. Traditional tunes include "My Wild Irish Rose," "How Are Things in Glocca Mora," and, of course, "Danny Boy" (the last sung by all three tenors, with refreshingly simple solo piano accompaniment). Thankfully, the threesome didn't forget that the immigrants had fun, too, as evidenced by some lighthearted fare; "The Courtin' Medley" features the Tenors at their most upbeat and comical. Ellis Island is a moving aural portrait of the struggles and triumphs of the Irish émigrés and a must-have for fans of the threesome. Newcomers may enjoy the Tenors' debut disc even more, as the earlier live album is a slightly more upbeat and spirited affair. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Three Cheers for the Irish!!!.......2007-05-30

A glorious concert in a historic setting, with all involved in top notch form. Finbar finds a great old Johnny Cash number, Ronan sings a Glocka
Mora to end all, and Anthony Kearns sings murderously difficult versions
of Macushla and The Croppy Boy like an angel. And their Courtin' and Irish
Medleys, and their "Nation Once Again" trios are simply glorious glees.

With the benefit of a grand theme, this is perhaps the best, and best balanced, of all their programs.

Ellis Island song brings tears to my eyes.......2006-03-17

This magical album crosses oceans and centuries and puts me in touch with my Irish ancestry. The title song tells a story similar to my greatgrandmother's and even though I've heard it many times now, I still weep for her.

How Are Things In Glocca Morra?.......2004-04-16

Long a fan of Irish music, I have turned to a series of artists to satiate my appetite. Bing Crosby and John McCormick have been succeeded by the Irish Tenors.

This CD has a bit more of an Irish American theme as "Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears" and "God Bless America" illustrate. Interspersed among these tunes are traditional Irish tunes such as "Macushla" and "Croppy Boy", along with newer songs, such as "The Green Fields Of France" and "How are Things In Glocca Morra?"

The singing is excellent, the words understandable. I appreciate the inclusion the lyrics of the songs contained on the insert of the cover. These are songs you will want to learn, whose stories you will want to research. I have. Listen again and again!

How Are Things In Glocca Morra?.......2004-04-16

Long a fan of Irish music, I have turned to a series of artists to satiate my appetite. Bing Crosby and John McCormick have been succeeded by the Irish Tenors.

The Best Historical CD Ever!.......2003-11-21

I think this is best CD since Live in Belfast! it also has 2 songs not included on the video! it's a unique album of how the immigration to Ellis Island and New York turned out. It also has songs of the war such as The Green Fields Of France (The Best One) or, the croppy boy. I would recommend this to anyone!

Done The Impossible: The Fans' Tale of Firefly & Serenity

Average customer rating:

Just plain great to listen to....
May be even better than the documentary

Done The Impossible: The Fans' Tale of Firefly & Serenity
Bedlam Bards , Brobdingnagian Bards , Dan Sehane , Emerald Rose , Michelle Dockrey , Rob Kuhlman , and Tony Fabris
Manufacturer: Done The Impossible
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Similar Items:

Done The Impossible: The Fans' Tale of Firefly & Serenity
Firefly: The Official Companion: Volume One
Firefly: The Official Companion: Volume Two
Firefly (Original Television Soundtrack)
Those Left Behind (Serenity)

ASIN: B000IJV3Y0

Product Description

The 72 minute soundtrack for the Firefly fan documentary features seven outstanding artists, and crosses multiple genres including Celtic and filk: 1. Done The Impossible (Ballad Of Serenity) - Rob Kuhlman, 2. Autumn In Asheville (Instrumental) - Emerald Rose, 3. Gwydion's Song To Lleu (Instrumental) - Emerald Rose, 4. The Fall Of Serenity Valley - Brobdingnagian Bards, 5. Take Me Down (To Her Water) - Emerald Rose, 6. Urania Sings (Instrumental) - Emerald Rose, 7. Deventure - Vitulari, 8. Big Damn Heroes (Instrumental) - Emerald Rose, 9. Firefly Main Title (The Ballad Of Serenity) - Emerald Rose, 10. Big Damn Trilogy (Instrumental) - The Bedlam Bards, 11. Come To The Dance (Instrumental) - Emerald Rose, 12. Sail The Sky (Instrumental) - The Bedlam Bards, 13. The Rock Garden - The Bedlam Bards, 14. I'm Gonna See Serenity - Dan Sehane, 15. Big Damn Trilogy - The Bedlam Bards, 16. Mal's Song - Michelle Dockrey, 17. Big Damn Heroes - Emerald Rose, 18. The Ballad Of Lux - The Bedlam Bards, 19. Mal's Song (Instrumental) - Tony Fabris, 20. Done The Impossible (Ballad Of Serenity) Instrumental - Rob Kuhlman

Customer Reviews:

Just plain great to listen to...........2006-09-27

Even with the year old classics like Mal's Song and the Ballad of Joss, which bring back great memories of Firefly and Serenity, I believe the power of this soundtrack lies in its instrumental tracks. I was moved to buy this after watching the documentary. But from folk to ballad to whimsical, this is a great soundtrack to listen to regardless if you want Firefly music or just good music.

May be even better than the documentary.......2006-09-21

If you're a Firefly fan, you've no doubt heard some of these songs before. The Bedlam Bards' "Ballad of Joss" and Michelle Dockrey's "Mal's Song" have been making the rounds for over a year now, and several of the other artists have been performing at conventions around the country. But this CD collects all of your favorites and adds some new ones in, including some instrumental versions that are just beautiful.

It's not a sequel or a new season, but close your eyes and let this collection take you back to the 'verse.

Average customer rating:

Amazing, heartfelt album!
Five Galaxies
A rich tapestry of sounds and imagery
Astonishing
Emerald Rose is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Archives of Ages to Come
Emerald Rose
Manufacturer: Emerald Rose
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Celtic Crescent
Bending Tradition
Rite the First Time
Fire In The Head
Hair Of the Frog

ASIN: B000BGQXTU
Release Date: 2005-09-02

Tracks:

Come To The Dance
Before the Twilight Falls
Take Me Down
Four Doors To Elfland
Queen of Argyll
Three More Drops
Autumn in Asheville
Gwydion's Song To Lleu
Wheel of Fortune
Four Jacks
Irish Heartbeat
Dagger of the Moon
Urania Sings
Whistler's Farewell
Dance of the Rats
We Come From Monkeys

Product Description

Archives of Ages to Come, the fifth commercial CD from Emerald Rose, is an "evolutionary moment" for the band. Not just Celtic folk anymore, the songs include elements of jazz, rock, pop, and world-beat, along with messages both ancient and relevant to modern times. The sixteen tracks on this CD range from Gypsy/Pagan chant (Come To The Dance), to heartfelt Celtic mythological ballads (Before the Twilight Falls, Gwydion's Song), to rocked-up Pagan anthems (Three More Drops, Four Jacks). Scientists and astronomers will appreciate "Urania Sings", a rock ballad about the muse of astronomers, while fans of the Allman Brothers might groove on "Autumn in Asheville", a jazzy instrumental. There's also the band's well-known humor twist, with "Dance of the Rats" describing a kitchen nightmare, and the evolution rant "We Come From Monkeys" rocking down on fundamentalist nonsense with some heavy guitar and dance beats. There's even a couple of covers of Celtic classics: "Queen of Argyll" from Andy M. Stewart and "Irish Heartbeat" from Van Morrison. Somehow, it all ties together into an emotional journey that we hope will delight you again and again!

Customer Reviews:

Amazing, heartfelt album!.......2006-03-19

With every new album, Emerald Rose keeps getting better and better. I'm not just referring to the enthusiasm of a fan here, though certainly there is plenty of that; the quality of musicianship, which was never bad, has increased exponentially for this recording.

The very first song, Come to the Dance, pulls the listener in immediately and definitely makes it difficult NOT to dance or at least move around a bit.

Before the Twilight Falls is one of my new Emerald Rose favorites. This haunting love song is full of longing and in-between spaces akin to Ladyhawke, and some of the harmonies just reach in and tug at the heart in ways that really enhance the song.

Three More Drops makes reference to Taliesin and Cerridwyn without specifically mentioning their names and incorporates the shapeshifting inherent in that legend. It's fun and thought-provoking at the same time.

Gwydion's Song to Lleu has a more mellow pace, but I still find myself humming it at the strangest times; I'd probably be singing it, but I don't know a bit of Welsh!

Four Jacks is not a song about a particularly nice poker hand, but rather about celebrating the divine masculine throughout the seasons. It provides some nice balance to the lovely songs Emerald Rose sings celebrating the divine feminine, such as Urania Sings.

Irish Heartbeat is one I particularly enjoy, extolling the virtue of spending time with one's cherished family and friends, reminding the listener that there is where one may find the care and support each of us need.

The new version of Dagger of the Moon is leaps and bounds above the previous version. Though the tune is the same, the music enhances the lyrics much better in this new version and really contributes to the feeling of mysticism the song conveys. There are even a couple of places in the song where the listener can easily be convinced that they are howling at the moon, though done in a way that has plenty of plausible deniability.

Whistler's Farewell is another pleasant surprise; I was sure that it must be a traditional song they'd come across, but the lyrics and music were written by Emerald Rose's Arthur Hinds. What an amazingly authentic Celtic feel!

Dance of the Rats makes me smile every time I hear it; is it a dream sequence, or isn't it? This song and We Come From Monkeys provide a bit of lightheartedness after the emotional and mystical journey through which the band has taken the listener through the rest of the album, giving a satisfying finish.

Archives is truly the best release yet by Emerald Rose, with superior quality of vocals and instrumentation and a definite sense that they have connected with the meanings behind their lyrics in much more than a superficial way. I can't rate this album highly enough!

Five Galaxies.......2006-03-05

Five stars doesn't do this album justice, so I'm amplifying the rating by a few orders of magnitude.

All of the musical threads that ER have been spinning since the beginning are woven together in this album: Pagan anthems ("Come to the Dance" is MY song, but I'll let you listen to it if you promise to dance), updated Celtic song, the Bardic tradition, and uber-geek humor.

They even cover the Silly Wizard classic, "Queen of Argyll." Talk about cheeky!

That should NOT work. Definitely one of those things "you can't do." In that sense, this album shows just how far behind dedication and talent can leave conventional wisdom.

Five of the songs on this album can be found on other ER releases, although that counts four from the limited edition "Songs from the Night Sky." I believe those four are essentially or exactly the same recordings, whereas the version of "Dagger of the Moon" on Archives is a complete remake.

The production values, arrangements, and execution on Archives are stellar. There are so many pinpoint details of phrasing and ornamentation sparkling through this album that one really needs to sit down and listen to it (for many of the cuts, this will likely only happen when you tire of dancing around like Puck on Starbucks).

The vocals are astounding on this album. "Dagger of the Moon," for example, is light-years beyond the version previously recorded. The sequence of "Four Jacks" to "Irish Heartbeat," had me in tears by the end of Heartbeat. For the record, that's not easy. The last time music made me cry just for sheer beauty, it was a masterful performance of a song of Guillaume de Machaut that did it, which puts ER in exalted company indeed.

I don't know if anyone is put off by the explicit Paganism of many of the songs. I would say they needn't be: this isn't shrill, teenage-angst, moaning-about-the-Burning-Times fluff here; this is a mature, intelligent, fully-fledged worldview that the Emperor Julian would be proud to acknowledge.

The album ends with a supernova of silliness, in the form of the new fairy-tale-cum-pizza-nightmare "Dance of the Rats" and the Professor Boggs (Larry) special, "We Come from Monkeys," an irreverent, arrogant, and completely correct flip-off of the anti-Darwin crowd. The comic relief is a good way to wind this down, because the other songs have carried us to such heights and depths that we're likely exhausted and in need of a laugh.

A rich tapestry of sounds and imagery.......2005-12-02

Archives is ER's best effort to date. The opening strains of "Come to the Dance" invite the listener to journey with the band through an album that is diverse yet perfectly blended. Combining blues, rock and Celtic music to form what is truly the Emerald Rose sound, Archives delights the senses and emotions. The delicate music and theme of "Before the Twilight Falls" gives way to devotion to beauty in "Queen of Argyll" concluding with the driving political stance of "We Come From Monkeys." It is a CD that will make you want to rejoice, tap your foot and dance.

Astonishing.......2005-10-23

If Emerald Rose "bent tradition" in their aptly named 2000 release, now at last they've broken it open like an egg. And a sound lustrous and wonderful has emerged.

This is a polished, multi-threaded collection that combines Celtic and World influences with stunning Rock. The tracks merge lyric penny whistle with harmonious voices, throbbing drums with kick-ass guitar. But most remarkable is the vision presented by these songs--a blend of magic and science, Goddess-consciousness and humor, politics and myth. This is song-writing so good it will break your heart one moment, make it soar the next.

In a lesser work, the title might be prententious. Instead it perfectly expresses an artistry that reveres the past but is savy to the present and peers resolutely at the future. Listen to this CD and, to borrow a phrase from one of the songs, you just might "evolve a bigger mind."

Emerald Rose is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-10-20

I have been listening to Emerald Rose for years, have been to many so their concerts, and own most of their CDs. I have to say that Archives of Ages to Come is the best one yet. They have truly grown into their own with this one. If you've never listened to any of their music, I highly suggest you buy this CD, it is the true peak of their musical talents. Blending traditonal with modern, and throwing a bit of humor into the mix gives you a feeling of harmony that no other band could ever achieve.
I love you guys!!!
Barbara

Average customer rating:

Great Music and Outstanding Voices
Time for a new one
Wonderful music, wonderful voices
Professional on professionals
Tenners for Tenors

Live in Belfast
Irish Traditional , James L. Molloy , Philip Martin , Lynette Johnson , Thomas Moore , Frank Lambert , Raymond Loughborough , Percy French , Richard Farrelly , William Wallace , Tempest Sanderson , and Francis McPeake
Manufacturer: Music Matters
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Irish Tenors / McNamara, McDermott, Kearns, Tynan
Ellis Island
The Very Best of The Irish Tenors
Heritage
The Irish Tenors - The Essential Collection

ASIN: B00004RDSK
Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

Dublin Medley: Dublin in the Rare Old Times; Molly Malone
Carrickfergus
Bantry Bay
Scorn Not His Simplicity
The Fields of Athenry
Star of the County Down
The Last Rose of Summer
Red is the Rose
Lift the Wings
She is Far from the Land
Ireland, Mother Ireland
Green Isle of Erin
Percy French Medley: Phil the Fluther's Ball/Come Back Paddy Reilly/The Lay of the West Clare Railway (Are Ye Right There Michael?)
Mary from Dungloe
Isle of Inisfree
There is a Flower that Bloometh
As I Sit Here
The Kerry Dance
Will Ye Go Lassie Go?

Product Description

1. Dublin Medley
2. Carrickfergus
3. Bantry Bay
4. Scorn Not His Simplicity
5. Fields Of Athenry
6. Star Of The County Down
7. The Last Rose Of Summer
8. Red Is The Rose
9. Lift The Wings
10. Ireland Mother Ireland
11. She Is Far From The Land
12. Green Isle Of Erin
13. Percy French Medley:
-Phil The Fluther s Ball
-Come Back Paddy Reilly
-The Lay Of The West Clare Railway
14. Mary From Dungloe
15. Isle Of Inisfree
16. There Is A Flower
17. As I Sit Here
18. The Kerry Dance
19. Go Lassie Go

Format: CD

Amazon.com

Just a year after their smash breakthrough debut album--itself still riding high in the charts--the Irish Tenors have added another delightfully varied collection to their discography. Live in Belfast again showcases the group's obvious concert charisma from a performance given in February 2000. It's a generous smorgasbord of medleys, traditional numbers, and songs from popular sources (including "Scorn Not His Simplicity," which Sinead O'Connor has interpreted)--mixing nostalgic sentimentality with selections of bittersweet melancholy. Binding the whole together is the unmistakable stylish charm of the Irish Tenors, whether singing in solos or in ensembles. But the biggest surprise for fans already hooked on the Tenors is the introduction of Finbar Wright as replacement for original member John McDermott. Wright's bright, romantic voice easily wins over a potentially skeptical crowd--especially in the dreamy "Isle of Innisfree"--and blends nicely with his colleagues. (McDermott, who had to bow out of the performance due to the death of his mother, makes a surprise appearance to solo in a memorable and touching "The Last Rose of Summer"--given as a tribute to his parents--and to rejoin the Tenors for "Red Is the Rose.") The arrangements by Tenors producer Frank McNamara are played with zest by the Orchestra Warsaw Sinfonia. --Tom May

Customer Reviews:

Great Music and Outstanding Voices.......2007-03-28

My wife and I saw these tenors live and on stage and we were truly impressed. Their voices blend beautifully and they present a well rounded variety of songs. We so enjoyed the first CD that we bought this current one.

Time for a new one.......2001-10-19

I bought this CD, (plus the video) in July 2000 and listened to it so much I think it must be just about worn out.!!!The video I have seen so often I bet I have seen every idiosyncrasy of each of them. The Tenors are almost my total pastime. About 12 hours a day, listening and viewing. I "met" them July 22/00 and have been to four concerts, and I'm still impressed by the joyous sounds of their voices.
It's been a lomg time since I wrote my last review of this CD, but I hope I have helped to encourage others to enjoy the thrill of the most magnificent voices of their lives.
The Tenor's #1 Fan,,,, Joan Way

Wonderful music, wonderful voices.......2001-05-31

I do not claim to be a musical expert. It has always been my contention that music which makes the listener feel good, which raises the spirits and makes the heart glad, is worthy of being heard. Such is this CD. I don't listen to it to search for flaws, flubs, failings and screw-ups. I listen to it because it makes me happy. I am of Irish ancestry, and this wonderful music stirs a core deep within my soul. I got to hear some traditional Irish folk music I'd never heard before. I would hope that all those who listen to this CD would choose to enumerate its merits based on the fact that this music is meant to lighten the soul. It never was meant to be held up to intense scrutiny, because it is folk music. These are the songs the people sang. They weren't meant to be grand, classical opera, and should not be regarded or critiqued as such. They are beautiful and moving, just as they stand, and I am grateful that God gave these four men such voices to sing these old tunes and to preserve them for the generations to come. God knows we need positive, beautiful music now more than ever.

Professional on professionals.......2001-05-05

I am taking from the best in the world. I have met Pavarotti's teachers (Joan Doanerman and Joan Sutherland) and also take from them. I am very well-known in musical analyzing and teaching. I have read all reviews, and personally, many of you need to learn much more about proper vocal technique to be a critic. The voice must flow, with support (breath), low larynx, etc. All four tenors possess the proper singing qualities. However, stage presence, song interpretation, and musicianship also take into affect. Finbar Wright needs to continue his musicianship. He possesses much more romanticism than he shows. Also, anyone can say words like "texturing, spellbinding and dominance," and sound like a knowledgeable critic. However, these words are thrown into sports review as well. Face it folks, know what you are saying. John McDermott has a beautiful voice, but it is a much different classical style than many people know. John is a Celtic Tenor, which means that his under- and overtones will sound much different than the other three. The symphony is NOT too dominant, David Schierholz. If you have worked with the Met recording studios, than you can talk with me, because I have sat in on them. These are live performances, not takes in a studio. Folks, I am a born and bred Irishman. These men are great, but there needs to be more of there individual literature available. I would love to find Anthony Kearns classical recordings. Then, when you have studied and understand the nature of the voice and theatre, then you can write your reviews.

Tenners for Tenors.......2001-02-16

This cd and video was my introduction to the wonderful "Irish Tenors". Seperately each is spellbinding. Together they are nothing short of magical. Finbar Wright is a dashingly romantic figure while Ronan Tynan is most compelling. Anthony Kearns will be a major star someday in the opera world. His voice is clear and strong. Wright's voice soars in songs such as "Carrickfergus" and "Isle of Innisfree". He seems a bit nervous which is understandable given he had only 10 days to prepare for this concert. He was asked literally days before the performance to step in for John McDermott. Thank goodness he did! The one downer for me was the appearance of John McDermott as his voice is not my cup of tea.

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

General | International | Styles | Music

International Folk | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

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:

Sweetest Song (There is a haven for you)
Rose Line Canon (Hidden in plain view)
Get Inside (Let the quest begin)
Shine Love (For Silas, who always knew pain)
Mystic and the Muse (The blade and the chalice)
Answer Me With Silence (Calling me home)
Opus Dei (For the greater good)
Goddess of the Sea Mist (You are protected on your journey)
A Heart in Winter (Sophie's song to grandpere)
Beyond the Pale (Venture into the unknown)
Winter of Dreams (Grandmere's song to grandpere)
Tir Na N(Rosslyn, grandmere, brother. I am home)
Dance Til the Rain Begins (At journey's end, love remains)

Album Description

The "Code of the Goddess" is an inspired musical exploration of the story from the best-selling novel, "The Da Vinci Code," by Dan Brown, featuring favorite works and new material from Laura Powers, creator of the Legends of the Goddess CD trilogy. A rich tapestry of elegantly layered arrangements interweaves beautiful melodies and mystical lyrics, creating songs that seem to spring from the souls of the characters we've come to know from the novel. This collection offers a perfect introduction to Laura's Celtic-infused music. It has become the soundtrack to my days, a musical companion on my own life journey. Celebrating feminine power and the beauty of the goddess tradition, Laura's earth-and-fire vocals blend with ethereal instrumentation, creating sensuous dreamscapes that transport you to another time, another place. I highly recommend it.

Candy Paull Author of The Art of Abundance, The Art of Encouragement, and 101 Ways to Give Your Soul a Lift.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful & uplifting..........2006-03-20

"Code of the Goddess" takes the characters of the "Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown and breathes musical life into them. After enjoying the book so much the songs in this CD bring another element to the people and storyline of the book. No vague instrumentals and noodling here--These are songs that stand up on their own and to repeated listening. Opus Dei, The Mystic and the Muse, and the lovely "Heart in Winter" (Sophie's song is in both French and English--I recognize Pachabel's Canon in the song) are standouts. If there is no audio here I found sound clips on the artist's website. Well done--packaging is nice, too.

Inspiring!.......2005-03-11

I absolutely LOVE this CD. There isn't a single track that I don't love listening to ... at home, while working, in the car ... it's just one of those collections.

Average customer rating:

More production please!
A Must-Have CD
Oh brother, art thou Witches or Pagans?
Hard to keep
Decisions, decisions...

Bending Tradition

Manufacturer: Emerald Rose
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

International Folk | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Fire In The Head
Rite the First Time
Archives of Ages to Come
The Best of Pagan Song
Celtic Crescent

ASIN: B00004U9TM
Release Date: 2000-06-16

Tracks:

Penny In The Well
Fire In The Head
Lucky Man
Jigs:Green Hills of Garland/The Gallagher Lass/The Ferret's Nose
Red-Haired Mary
Pagan Girl
Come By The Hills
Merry May Folk
Johnnie Cope
Castle of Arianrhod
Freya Shakti
Unfinished Business
Hills of America

Album Description

"Bending Tradition" draws heavily from Celtic roots, but moves in many directions, blending pop/rock, jazz, world beat, and mystical ideas into a unique "brew." Rich chorus vocals, driving guitars, bodhran and congas, pennywhistle, and original songwriting provide a strong new voice in Celtic fusion.

Customer Reviews:

More production please!.......2006-08-02

I was really excited to get this album, but was disappointed with the slightly less than mediocre quality of it. First of all, there was no production value at all. It sounded as though the musicians themselves recorded it in one of their garages and produced it on one of their laptops. While for some people or bands this isn't a problem, the band members themselves play their instruments and sing slightly better than you'd hear in a karaoke bar I suppose, so that might give you some idea about the production quality as well. I think the part that bothered me the most is that no matter the genre, I expect my music to be up to a minimum standard artistically, which this album really wasn't. I applaud their efforts to be sort of a light-hearted selection in a genre that sometimes takes itself a tad too seriously, but the quality simply wasn't there to carry off the whole package. I would not recommend buying this album unless you are already a fan or don't mind somewhat simplistic lyrics and trite rhyming schemes. I really really wanted to like it.

A Must-Have CD.......2004-08-14

I first heard of Emerald Rose at the Bardic Circle on Witchvox. "Freya, Shakti", "Fire in the Head": these quickly became two of my favorite songs. The live Fire in the Head rose to my most-listened song very quickly. I lived off of MP3.com for some time.

When I came to buy an ER CD, this was high on the list. I came into it loving Freya, Shakti and Fire in the Head. "Pagan Girl" I had heard wonderful things about (I understand why: a GREAT song).

Penny in the Well and Merry May Folk are just awesome songs. This is my CD of choice when I drive, now.

All in all, I am able to listen to this CD almost non-stop, skipping only 2 songs that I don't particularly like.

I HIGHLY recommend this CD as one of the greatest musical compilations that I own.

Oh brother, art thou Witches or Pagans?.......2004-07-29

Several of the tracks presented here are stunning. 'Penny in the Well'...'Freya Shakti'...'Hills of America'...even an understated version of ELP's 'Lucky Man'. All deserve kudos.
The one problem I have with EMERALD ROSE though is their Celtic Warrior/Pagan/Wiccan/Folk schtick.
Why does it seem to me that the Wiccan belief has co-opted all things Pagan? If ER is more than Wiccan (ie goddess worship), then they should explore more of the Pagan world outside of the feminine principle. I mean they use the imagery of celtic-pagan-warrior enough, but there is more to the mythos than just the lighthearted pagan as posey+ ring-around-the-maypole imagery.
I feel EMERALD ROSE is on the verge of something important. It is imperative that they define themselves more specifically, musically. Go outside the SAFE zone, challenge their fanbase, add more diverse instruments (i mean the pennywhistle featured alot is VERY good,but) perhaps even add another member to tne band.
I just wish the music was grittier, more pagan,less Wiccan. I don't want them to slip into complacency. Sorry ER if I sound like I'm being disrespectful, after all, I'm the thorn in your foot, the worm in the wood. your friendly PICT, for now.

Hard to keep.......2004-05-17

Here is a hint. DO NOT LOAN THIS CD TO ANYONE. Even your trusted friends will turn on you and growl viciously if you suggest it is time for the CD to come back to you. Happened to me just last night. So off I went to the band's website to buy another copy. Dang it. But I did buy the full set of all four.

I've had the sheer pleasure of hearing this group perform in public. It was my first time to hear the "Shakti" piece. Everyone in the auditorium was on their feet dancing. It is a chant to overcome the dirge-like chants so many of us know.

Their traditional pieces are incredibly well done. The penny whistle rivals the best work I've ever heard.

And the original songs such as "Pagan Girl" will bring a smile to your face or a tear to your eye.

These guys are true bards in the oldest sense of the word. Don't let this CD escape your notice. Truly some of the best new music I've heard in a long while.

Decisions, decisions..........2003-06-17

How do you tell a soon-to-be Emerald Rose fan which CD to buy first? It is a tough decision, but this CD is often the first choice.
This CD contains some of their best ballads, and is a good sampler of their more traditional songs plus their Pagan songs. It does NOT contain any of their purely humorous songs, or their downright *odd* songs, but that does give this album a continuity of feel that some of the others lack.

It is NOT all ballads, and does contain some of their more justly famous "get up and dance" tunes, but the ballads are the stand out stars of this album in my opinion. "Penny in the Well" (track one), a postively stellar cover of "Lucky Man" (track three, "Castle of Arianrhod" (track 10) and "Hills of America" (track 13) showcase their slower ballad work amazingly. In fact i have been stunned to find i prefer Emerald Rose's version of "Lucky Man" to the origional by Emerson Lake and Palmer!

Still, no album of theirs would be complete without some of the spectacular drumming, wonderful pennywhistle, and magnificent energy of such songs as the traditionally based "Fire in the Head" (track 2),and "The Gallagher Lass" (part of track 4). I dare you to listen to their jigs and not get up and dance! (warning: this is real excersize, and you *will* feel it later)

This CD has a few of their more famous pagan songs, like "Freya Shakti" (track 11), "Merry May Folk" (track 8), and "Pagan Girl" (track 6) that are practically required listening for any of the Pagan community. "Freya Shakti", especially, is destined to be one of those songs that will be sung and enjoyed at festivals by people who may never even know who wrote it!
Pity, that. I guess we will just have to tell them so they can enjoy the rest of the Emerald Rose play list!

Tracks:

Ireland, Mother Ireland
By The Short Cut To The Roses
Ireland, My Sireland
Eileen (Alanna Asthore)
Kathleen Mavourneen
Mother Machree
Thre Irish Emigrant
Molly Bawn
The Low-Backed Chair
Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms
Molly Brannigan
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
The Foggy Dew
Where The River Shannon Flows
The Rose Of Tralee
The Bard Of Armagh
The Wearing Of The Green
Dear Little Shamrock
Come Back To Erin
Asthore
My Lagan Love
My Wild Irish Rose

Customer Reviews:

Irish classics, sung to perfection.......2004-09-15

Legendary tenor John McCormack was one of the greatest singers of the early 20th century, and in this lovely collection of Irish songs, his voice rings true and clear, with so much sincerity it touches the heart and delights the ear.
The age of the recordings becomes irrelevant as one focuses on the beauty of his voice; the range of when these were made goes back as far as 1910, with "Molly Brown", "Dear Little Shamrock", and "My Lagan Love", to 1930 with "Ireland, My Ireland" and "The Rose of Tralee".
The famous operetta composer Victor Herbert conducts on tracks # 3 and # 4, two songs from his "Eileen", recorded in 1917.

From opera to the concert stage to singing the popular Irish songs like those that are included on this album, McCormack was a superstar of a kind that was rare in his era. This much loved tenor was known for his exquisite pianissimos, as can be heard in the wonderful "The Rose of Tralee"; my choice pick is another song with a heavenly pianissimo, "Mother Machree", which is sung with the excellent piano accompaniment of Edwin Schneider, but though I have favorites, there isn't a single song in this compilation that won't win you over with the glory of McCormack's voice, and his fabulous phrasing and interpretive genius.
Total playing time is 68'30.

Even if you're under the shower, you'll hear every word........2002-02-10

The great Irish tenor's art is still accessible to music lovers. New reissues have appeared very recently. RCA Victor selected from their vast archive this collection of 22 of his recordings for 1997 CD issue. The common theme is Ireland. Every song reflects McCormack's native land. Recordings date from 1910 to 1930, four of them featuring his marvelous regular accompanist Edwin Schneider. Their famous recording of "Kathleen Mavourneen", long recognized as a classic, is substituted here with an unpublished take.

If you might be deterred by the mention of ancient recording dates, be assured that recording and restoration quality combined with McCormack's superb diction will soon make you forget such a failing. The earlier the recording date, the fresher the voice. By the 1930s, McCormack had polished his art to perfection. No singer was as skilled at coloring his voice to convey a range of emotion: wonder, grief, ardor, longing, adoration, hope and sadness. Notice also the subtle quickening and slowing of tempi. Enunciation is also brilliant. Listen to this CD from the other end of your house while you are under the shower, and you'll hear every word.

Jock McCormack in his best singing years.......2000-05-25

Here's the real deal: nobody could sing an Irish song better than the glorious Bard of Athlone, John McCormack, superstar of the opera and concert worlds from 1908-1938. This BMG (RCA) CD is a great collection of some of his most-renowned 78 rpm records, dating from 1910-1930. His pure, well-schooled silver-timbred lyric tenor was at its best on most of these old records, here nicely transferred to the modern medium. The cover art and inside notes are very well-done, also. I won't list the songs, as they appear already on this page. Give one or two a listen on your computer, and you'll see why he was one of the unique singing communicators of the last century. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Just Nice Music
"Love and Happiness through the power of song"
Saw the PBS Special
Words

God Bless America: An Irish Salute

Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Old-Time Country | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

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

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Ireland in Song
Songs of Inspiration
Frank Patterson - Ireland In Song
Frank Patterson Collection (World of Music / God Bless America - An Irish Salute)
The Very Best of The Irish Tenors

ASIN: B0000457FX
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

Ireland, Mother Ireland
The Rose Of Tralee
The Star Of The County Down
Mother Machree
Czardas & The Mason's Apron
The Connemara Cradle Song
Grace
The Miller's Daughter
Tour Of Ireland: The Hills Of Donegal/Galway Bay/Slievenamon/Dublin In The Rare Auld Times/The...
The Spinning Wheel
My Son
O Sole Mio
Irish-American Sing-Along: My Wild Irish Rose/Irish Lullaby (Tooralooraloora)/Peggy O'Neill
The Music Of The Night
Danny Boy
God Bless America
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Amazon.com

Frank Patterson is an Irish tenor in the grand tradition of John McCormack and Josef Locke. God Bless America! is a live recording of a concert he performed in tribute to his adopted country. The songs range from traditional Irish tunes like "The Star of the County Down" and "The Spinning Wheel" to sentimental music-hall ballads like "Mother Machree" and "The Rose of Tralee." He also sings the inevitable "O Solo Mio" (is there a tenor born who can resist it?) and Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Music of the Night." Patterson is joined on a number of tunes by his wife, Eily O'Grady, and her Irish Harp Orchestra. Patterson is an unabashedly emotional singer who wrings the last teardrop out of chestnuts like "Danny Boy," but he does it in such a charming manner that his performances never descend into kitsch. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Just Nice Music.......2007-05-13

Frank Patterson does his best singing when he simply sings the familiar songs with heartfelt passion. He does nothing fancy and ends up with a superior product. Well worth the price.

"Love and Happiness through the power of song".......2000-03-26

Irish tenor Frank Patterson was born and raised in Tipperary, performing at an early age with the Wren Boys. Patterson's early works were primarily classical, but with the increasingly popularity of celtic music, Frank turned his energies toward his homeland traditional folk ballads. PBS special "Ireland in Song" was a tremendous hit, giving him more exposure than ever to the world with his "God" given talent.

This album - "God Bless America - An Irish Salute", is one of the most touching compilations of music ever recorded. One of the highlights is his wife Eily O'Grady and her Irish Harp Orchestra, simply an emotional pair of people enjoying what they do best, spreading love and happiness through the power of song.

Total Time: 72:20 on 17 Tracks/ RCA Victor Records - 09026 63659 2 (2000)

Saw the PBS Special.......2000-03-22

I do not have the album but saw the PBS special last Saturday night and have been looking for the cd and will buy it. The song My Son is the most moving and beautiful I have ever heard. Having three sons, I felt it related to each of them and it can be for either mother or father. The rest of the songs were superb. Mr Patterson is a warm and wonderful human being and has a great voice. His son played the violin when he sang My Son, by the way. Also, his wife's group of harpists are wonderful. All in all, a great group of songs show and I am sure a great cd. I also want the tape when it is available.

Words.......2000-03-18

Sorry, I have not heard this album, but the song "MY SON" was suggested for a Mother/Son dance at his wedding. I would surely love to see the words first, before I purchase the album.. Thank you for any help you may have.

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