The Diamond Mountain Sessions

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Born in County Clare, Sharon Shannon is a charismatic musician who is equally at home on button accordion or fiddle. This set commences with Galicia's revered gaita (bagpipe) virtuoso, Carlos Núñez, leading a mazurka-like tune that morphs into what sounds like a syncopated Spanish-Irish jig. There are Francophone references throughout the album; "Galway Girl" (sung by Steve Earle) and "Say You Love Me" are Cajun-flavored barroom stomps, while "The Pernod Waltz" would be a perfect fit in Quebec. The vocal soloists--Earle, John Prine, Liam O'Maonlai, John Hoban, Mary Staunton, Dessie O'Halloran, and Jackson Browne, are either idiomatic or else so far beyond that it ceases to matter. Other notable participants include the Woodchoppers (Shannon's touring band), the Hothouse Flowers, and Donal Lunny (the Quincy Jones of Ireland.) Even amid so much talent and variety, "Fire in the Bellies," which features the robust fiddling of Liz and Yvonne Kane, demands repeated hearings. --Christina Roden

Tracks:

A Costa De Galicia
The Galway Girl
The Diamond Mountain
Slan Le Van
The Four Jimmys (The Fitz Theme)
A Man Of Constant Sorrow
Say You Love Me
The Pernod Waltz
The Hounds Of Letterfrack
On The Banks Of The Old Pontchertrain
Love Love Love
Jota Do Porto Do Cabo
Fire In The Bellies
Northern Lights

Amazon.com

Born in County Clare, Sharon Shannon is a charismatic musician who is equally at home on button accordion or fiddle. This set commences with Galicia's revered gaita (bagpipe) virtuoso, Carlos Núñez, leading a mazurka-like tune that morphs into what sounds like a syncopated Spanish-Irish jig. There are Francophone references throughout the album; "Galway Girl" (sung by Steve Earle) and "Say You Love Me" are Cajun-flavored barroom stomps, while "The Pernod Waltz" would be a perfect fit in Quebec. The vocal soloists--Earle, John Prine, Liam O'Maonlai, John Hoban, Mary Staunton, Dessie O'Halloran, and Jackson Browne, are either idiomatic or else so far beyond that it ceases to matter. Other notable participants include the Woodchoppers (Shannon's touring band), the Hothouse Flowers, and Donal Lunny (the Quincy Jones of Ireland.) Even amid so much talent and variety, "Fire in the Bellies," which features the robust fiddling of Liz and Yvonne Kane, demands repeated hearings. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

If you like either the vocalists or Irish fiddle and squeezebox you're going to like this.......2007-07-05

And you might just find that you like both together quite well. Sharon Shannon has assembled an all-star cast of musicians and singers for this CD and all of it bears repeating. What the Chieftains do in "Further Along The Old Plank Road" Sharon continues with her own flair.

My favorite of this collection is Steve Earle singing "Galway Girls." His 'peat smoke' voice really lends itself to the Irish ballads.

Mark Knopfler, John Prine, Jackson Browne and many other big-name vocalists join Shannon for these sessions. Among them is Dessie O'Halloran, who I thought from the name was a woman. What a wonderful surprise.

The best thing about this CD is it takes a lot of people I love to listen to and combines them with fabulous musicianship and the sum of the whole is far greater than its parts. This is an excellent collaboration and I will be looking for "Libertango" next.

Wonderful listening experience and so diverse!!.......2005-09-20

This CD is an excellent representation of the kind of artist Sharon Shannon has become. As she has evolved as an accordionist she has added so much to her repertoire beyond the traditional Celtic music. At first I found this evolution a bit disconcerting but as a loyal fan I decided to trust the directon Shannon took, which is collaborating with artists of many different styles. She has continued this evolution with her most recent CD (Libertango) which is also quite good.

The CD is worth owning if only for the wonderful piece sung by Dessie O'Halloran, "Say You Love Me", a most endearing love song. I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. O'Halloran in person with the Sharon Shannon band, a memorable performance to say the least.

There are many enjoyable tracks on this CD, including some traditional works, and the collaborations with other artists are great.

It doesn't get any better than this!.......2001-12-19

I bought this on a recommendation and I loved it from the first play. Steve Earle, John Prine, Jackson Browne and Irish music. The version of Banks of the Old Ponchartrain is so wonderful. Take a gamble, go with this one.

Great CD!.......2001-11-10

This is an excellent CD with contributions from many fine musicians and vocalists. I especially enjoy the Steve Earle song
and the variety of sounds included on the recording. This CD is "good fun" and my copy has been played many times. If you like upbeat and entertaining music with a Celtic flair you should check this out.

Yes Wow Buy Now.......2001-08-17

This is Irish instrumental music on steroids. Wonderful Squeeze Box and fiddles, interesting bass lines and sparkling dexterity on the whistles.

Sharon Shannon seems to know just where to push traditional music and how much to push it. The result is always exciting and yet respectful. She is also great to see in concert, so go if you get the chance.