Celtic Soul

Amazon.com
Noirin Ni Riain (Noreen O'Ryan in Anglicized versions) is a legendary sean nos (traditional a cappella) singer in Ireland, but on this project her keening, clear-as-a-bell soprano is backed by America's pastoral-jazz ensemble, the Paul Winter Consort, and such special guests as Joanie Madden and Jerry O'Sullivan. Nine traditional sean nos songs are sung in Gaelic; two Indian hymns are sung in Hindi, and a delightful arrangement of William Butler Yeats' "Down by the Sally Gardens" is sung in English. Winter's arrangements emphasize elongated phrasing and sustained notes, and the near-droning effect creates a spiritual stillness not unlike that produced by the chanting monks who were all the rage a few years ago. --Geoffrey Himes

Tracks:

And It Stoned Me
Moondance
Crazy Love
Caravan
Into The Mystic
Come Running
These Dreams Of You
Brand New Day
Everyone
Glad Tidings

Amazon.com essential recording

Van Morrison went a long way towards defining his wild Irish heart with his first two classic albums: the brooding, introspective Astral Weeks (1968), and the expansive, swinging Moondance. If the first was the work of a poet, its sequel was the statement of a musician and bandleader. Moondance is that rare rock album where the band has buffed the arrangements to perfection, and where the sax solos instead of the guitar. The band puts out a jazzy shuffle on "Moondance" and plays it soulful on "These Dreams of You." The album includes both Morrison's most romantic ballad ("Crazy Love") and his most haunting ("Into the Mystic"). "And It Stoned Me" rolled off Morrison's tongue like a favorite fable, while "Caravan" told a tale full of emotional intrigue. Moondance stood out in the rock world of 1970 like a grownup in a kiddie matinee. --John Milward

Customer Reviews:

eternal listening pleasure.......2007-08-04

Van Morrison...Moondance...TERRIFIC...large jazz ensemble based music...simple, fun, and descriptive lyrics...what a joy to have this album once again...future generations will enjoy this one!

The Best.......2007-08-04

I am excited just thinking about this album. This is one of the top 100 albums of all time, period! Okay some people might disagree with me on that, but what most agree with is that Moondance itself is a work of art. Blends of Jazz, Folk and Easy listening with enough tinges of Americana to rival anything by Springsteen or Mellencamp. Oh, did I forget to mention there are some blues to this as well? Again, a work of art and I think Moondance and Into the mystic are a couple of my favorites, but it is hard to choose when again, the entire album is simply amazing. Despite being released over three decades ago, it still chimes with a radiance that words cannot describe.

The Moondance album is somewhat prolific to me when looking at all of Van Morrison's studio releases, perhaps because I do not think he put out an album after this one that could even come close to matching it. A one of a kind find that I will always treasure.

slice of heaven..........2007-06-22

She looked at me with those dark, mysterious eyes of hers and asked me to put on my favorite music. It didn't take but a moment for me to slip in MOONDANCE and so the night only got better from there. Smooth, mellow, rocking, with more soul then a Southern Baptist Church on a Sunday afternoon. No fillers here. Every song with a legacy of it's own. If music is the food of the gods then this one is a gift from the gods. Give it a listen and feel the rapture.

Moondance.......2007-05-03

This album came after "Astral week" I find "Moondance" every bit as good, in fact more enjoyable to listen to. It has a timeless quality about it, and it really dos not sound like it's 37 years old. Overall it has a good fel to it. The first song,"And it Stoned Me",reminds me a lot of the band, and the brass, which is used throughout. The album has a very soulful vibe. On a couple of the songs there's even a gospel flaver ("come running" and 'crazy love"). When he sings"iI want to rock your gypsy soul" in "into the mystic", he makes it sound like tere is nothing mor important in the world. The best moment on the whole album is"Turn it up? Turn it up? Turn it up? a little bit higher" in caravan.
If people listen to the album a few times, the songs will stay with them forever.

polished gems............2007-02-25

Every cut on this album is a polished gem; there are no fillers. "Stoned Me" starts the journey; "Moondance" still retains its sparkle (especially for Libras in October); "Into the Mystic" still haunts.

My personal favourite, "Brand New Day" still inspires me like a reverant hymn. Join Mr. Morrison for a quiet journey that soothes the senses.

Average customer rating:

Van the man...
Always a writer of songs ...it's raining and i have this on...
WONDERFUL
Almost perfect
Wondering why they call this guy Van the Man?

The Best of Van Morrison
Van Morrison
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Moondance
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Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000009DDJ
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

Bright Side Of The Road
Gloria
Moondance
Baby Please Don't Go
Have I Told You Lately
Brown Eyed Girl
Sweet Thing
Warm Love
Wonderful Remark
Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile)
Full Force Gale
And It Stoned Me
Here Comes The Night
Domino
Did Ye Get Healed
Wild Night
Cleaning Windows
Whenever God Shines His Light
Queen Of The Slipstream
Dweller On The Threshold

Amazon.com

Van Morrison reputedly wasn't crazy about the idea of a greatest-hits package, and this set's haphazard programming--which leaps from period to period, style to style, tossing in two key singles by his mid-'60s band Them--speaks to his lack of involvement. Still, it rivals Moondance as Morrison's most popular album, and for a reason: like that classic, it offers one deeply soulful, spiritually and musically thoughtful track after another. Much of his more "difficult" work is ignored here; in fact, Best of... gives us an intriguing picture of a Van who's almost eager to please. --Rickey Wright

Album Description

Import pressing of this ace collection now deleted in the US! Van Morrison has boldly followed his own musical path since the '60s and this compilation proves that he has the talent to match his own vision. From the early days with Them ('Gloria') through his critically successful solo career ('Moondance', 'Brown Eyed Girl', 'Have I Told You Lately'), he remains one of the most beloved and influential artists in modern music, 20 tracks total, also including 'Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile)', 'Domino', 'Here Comes The Night' and more. Universal. * Please note this version is not remastered.

Customer Reviews:

Van the man..........2007-06-22

There's no organization to the music on this cd which has always been one of the great joys of a Van Morrison release where one song seems to lead to another and the sound as a whole is like listening to one inspiring arrangement but even with that in mind this collection is wonderful. Rather then having one large spiritual experience, you get 20 small spiritual miracles. Because to me, Van's music has always been so full of soul it is like a spiritual ride.

Always a writer of songs ...it's raining and i have this on..........2007-01-27

These are awesome..good album.

I like them as much as Philosopher's Stone, In the Midnight, Precious Time, Back on Top, When the Leaves Come Falling Down.....Rain check, These Dreams of You, Golden Autumn Day, Reminds Me of You, High Summer....opps there is my favorites list.

I'd recommend listening to Van. He's a poet. He's able to say what I'm thinking. And I'm going to see him one day because I have a ticket to go to an upcoming concert....like his concerts.Glad he comes to LA. So this is just a CD to get me in the mind frame. But even without that I'd listen to these. I guess I can IPOD my favorites now....

WONDERFUL.......2006-11-10

This is my favorite CD ever. I have bought it for many friends as gifts, and they all love it! He is the best!

Almost perfect.......2006-08-14

I had this disc once before and it was stolen. Loved it so much I had to buy it again. I wish it cotained Tupelo Honey and Into the Mystic. Other than that I love this disc . I recommend this to anyone. Whether you are a big fan or just only know a couple of his songs. Lively and uplifting. Great for traffic jams.

Wondering why they call this guy Van the Man?.......2006-07-15

Then you obviously don't own this CD. Fix that sometime soon. Any album with Brown Eyed Girl and a bunch of crappy songs is still worth a purchase, but you get lots more: Three good songs by Them (garage-band anthem Gloria, Baby Please Don't Go, Here Comes the Night) and several great songs by Van himself: the aforementioned Brown Eyed Girl, Sweet Thing, Moondance, And It Stoned Me, Domino, Jackie Wilson Said, Cleaning Windows and the previously-unreleased Wonderful Remark especially stand out, though there's more.
Still, it's not perfect. I don't care how popular Have I Told You Lately is, I don't like it. In my mind it's a sap-fest from someone who isn't really sappy. Same with Queen of the Slipstream. Get rid of these two, as well as Dweller on the Threshold and Warm Love. Swap in Madame George and Caravan. Then you'll have the true Best of Van Morrison.

Average customer rating:

Van's Best Album
I wish more stars were available...
Ridiculous Good
IT STILL MAKES ME CRY
The Second Best Album of All Time

Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Moondance
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ASIN: B000002KAT
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Astral Weeks
Beside You
Sweet Thing
Cyprus Avenue
The Way Young Lovers Do
Madame George
Ballerina
Slim Slow Slider

Amazon.com essential recording

Never mind that Van Morrison is one of the most indelible songwriters of the 20th century--take each album on its own terms. On 1968's seminal Astral Weeks, a twentysomething Van Morrison can be found belting his gospelly, bluesy vocals in just as fine a form as he would be 20 years hence. In the sociopolitical context of the times, the album cried out about such ubiquitous '60s themes as cultural oppression and social upheaval. But it is Morrison's vocal dexterity and passion that maintains such timeless appeal. Take tracks like "Madame George" or "Cyprus Avenue" and you'll find such beautiful mourning, it'll be clear why modern songwriter Sinéad O'Connor once publicly exclaimed: "Van Morrison should be friggin' canonized." --Nick Heil

Customer Reviews:

Van's Best Album.......2007-08-01

This album is so beautiful i literally wept the first time i ever heard it and it never fails to touch me every single time i listen to it. It is in my opinion, the greatest album made by anyone at any time, ever. It makes you long to be newly in love, to feel those first butterflies in your stomach.
Album favorites are Astral Weeks, Sweet Thing and Madam George but every song is beautiful and the album flows effortlessly. I can't say enough about this one. Seriously, if you are a fan of Van or of music in general, you won't be disappointed.

I wish more stars were available..........2007-07-21

Moondance has always been one of my favorite CDs. Why it took me so long to buy Astral Weeks I'll never know. I can't stop listening to this album (and I've had it for almost a year now). I think it's one of the most honest albums I've ever heard. Van puts his all into every single line. Later on in his career it's almost like he stopped caring and just "talks" through the lines live. Here there is actual emotion and it's so precisely captured that every song takes you to a place that you feel like you've been before. The liner notes mention that there are no noticeable "singles" here, but I think every song works great in the context of the work as a whole and also stands on it's own admirably. This is in my top ten.

Ridiculous Good.......2007-07-03

Half the songs on here give me goosebumps. Astral Weeks is probably my favorite Van Morrison album, granted Tupelo Honey and Moondance are a lot more fun, Astral weeks is transcendental. In this album Van seems very in love, nostalgic, or sentimental. Key tracks (really all of them) include:
Astral Weeks- Strong and solid,
Sweet Thing- The strings in this are awesome
Cyprus Avenue- More like familiar Van Morrison
Madame George- It's long, and good. Again and as usual, an awesome arrangement. (for David Gray fans, this is where part of "Say Hello, Wave goodbye comes from)

The other tracks on here are all good, no real dancing numbers, but all the songs are beautiful, the kind you put on a mix CD for a new (or not so new) love. Anyone who considers themselves a Van fan had better own this.

IT STILL MAKES ME CRY.......2007-06-21

I think it came out in '68 when I was a sophomore in high school...shy, insecure, just moved to a new school. These songs became part of my very being, and they will always be a part of who I am. There was just something about Van: the words, the stylings, the chord progressions. His music made my soul scream, and it felt so good.

The Second Best Album of All Time.......2007-06-13

FREE FORM VOCAL STYLINGS

This album rates very highly on many critics list of the all time best. It routinely comes up in the top ten. About 10 years ago, Rolling Stone magazine voted it the second best album of all time, behind the Beatle's Sargeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Released in 1968, this is Van Morrison's second solo album. It is 46 minutes long and the sound quality is good, although the music is mixed a little thin.

The Way The Young Lovers Do is the only thing on this album that is anything close to pop song along the lines of Brown Eyed Girl. I am not a big pop music fan, but I like this song. The rest of the album is something completely different.

The rest of the album is some nice music with some interesting playing, mixed really low. It is a mixture of jazz and folk with a little blues thrwon in. There are some interesting bits on flute, vibes and keyboards. But, the music remains just a back drop and is mixed in at a very low volume. The CD comes with a fold out cover that tries to give a historical perspective of the album. Intrestingly, it is pretty subdued and does not rave about the album like the critics do.

Morrison's wild and unstructured vocals are mixed loudly on top of the music. He seems to be always riffing and jamming. He'll be singing along and then he'll jump into a repeated riff, such as "you breath in, you breath out, you breath in, you breath out, you breath in, you breath out, you breath in, you breath out".

I know people are going to get mad at me, insult me and call me names, but I have to admit that I just don't get it. I don't think this is a personal, emotional album, and I don't think it has interesting stories. It comes off to me as an experimental album that didn't quite work.

Music is a very personal thing. People can get really mad when you don't agree with them on music that they really love. They take a low review on thier favorite album as a personal attack. They say nasty things about the reviewer.

To get even, people will mark a review as "hot helpful", like that evens things up. But, a review like this is helpful to buying public that might not know much about this ablum and are thinkging about buying it because of all the rave reviews (that is why I bought it).

Just because certain people love it doesn't mean everyone will. In fact, many people did not like this album. It is the only Van Morrison album not to chart. And you might wonder why Morrison did not do anything like this again. He certainly still had the artistic freedom to do what he wanted, because he had a pretty lose contract from Warner Brothers. What he came up with next, is Moondance, which was completely different. In later albums, Morrison did incorporate some of the Astral Weeks vocal stylings on some songs, but it was much more controlled.

Van Morrison started out in a group called Them. Them had a minor hit with Baby Please Don't Go, and bigger hit with Gloria, written by Morrison. Them was going through changes, so Morrison retired from music for a few years, before coming up with Brown Eyed Girl, and his first ablum, Blowin' Your Mind. He did not approve of the album and withdrew. His manager died, freeing him from his contract, so he was able to sign with Warner Brothers, have much more artistic freedom and came up with this.

Average customer rating:

Van morrison-Magic Time
DISAPOINTED LONG TIME FAN
standard van morrison fare. nothing wrong with that.
A lot to like
An eclectic mix of soul, jazz and blues

Magic Time
Van Morrison
Manufacturer: Geffen Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009298OI
Release Date: 2005-05-17

Tracks:

Stranded
Celtic New Year
Keep Mediocrity At Bay
Evening Train
This Love Of Mine
I'm Confessin'
Just Like Greta
Gypsy In My Soul
Lonely And Blue
The Lion This Time
Magic Time
They Sold Me Out
Carry On Regardless

Amazon.com

Like a human infusion of chamomile tea, hearing Van Morrison's voice has the effect of instantly soothing even the most stressed listener. That said, some of his releases have been so mellow that they muted the '60s soul influences that had been a part of Van's appeal. Not so with Magic Time, a wonderful balance of groove and smoothness, with a "live off the floor" feel evident throughout the disc. Right from the start "Stranded" shows Van at his crooner best--relaxed, present, and joyful. "Celtic New Year" comes next with a very Astral Weeks feel, leading one to believe that this disc might be sedentary through and through… until "Keep Mediocrity at Bay" kicks in, a feisty blues romp proving that though in his sixties, Morrison still has the sass of his best previous days. Morrison's cover of Sinatra's brassy "This Love of Mine" and Perry Como's "I'm Confessin'" are full of cheek and charm. Morrison-as-producer has chosen stellar horn sections that elevate the music from good to great and come from an obvious deep love of classic blues and soul. He's a lover and a fighter (the disc has two references to his disdain of the music industry: "They Sold Me Out" and "Carry On Regardless"), but ultimately true to his own musical vision. This destined-to-be-classic release will please a wide variety of his fans. --Denise Sheppard

Essential Van Morrison

Astral Weeks
Moondance
It's Too Late to Stop Now [LIVE]

Tupelo Honey
Into the Music
Saint Dominic's Preview

Customer Reviews:

Van morrison-Magic Time.......2007-05-31

What can one say about one of the greatest artist of modern times? He could sing the phone book and make it interesting. I've loved Van the Man since the days of THEM and have more of his music in my collection than anybody else. I've seen every performer I've wanted to see worth seeing...almost...except Van and Paul Simon...and just may go to Austin in September if gas comes down! This particular CD is blues and he sticks to the genre like syrup on pancakes on Saturday morning....ummmmm! He is a true genius that deserves to be affected and particular and maybe even strange and a recluse if choosen...like greta garbo...just wants to be left alone. If anyone calls tell them you haven't seen me. He will be worth shedding a tear over when he is gone because he has made the world I live in so much better. Thanks Van the Man for Magic Time always.

DISAPOINTED LONG TIME FAN.......2007-05-15

Definately not his best effort. In fact I have only listened to it one time. Having been a fan since the 60's I can easily say that this is not worth the time or money to include it in your collection. There are so many memorable tunes from Van the Man don't disapoint your self with this one.

standard van morrison fare. nothing wrong with that........2007-02-21

3 and 1/2 stars i would say. this is an enjoyable set, absolutely. there is not really a bad van morrison recording out there (heck, i even get enjoyment from "a period of transition"), but let's face it: van is not trying very hard here. this is the kind of recording he is so used to making that he could call it in on the phone from home. a little r & b, plenty of mid-tempo stuff with nice tame saxophone, standard blues harmonica and some gentle string arrangement stuff. all nice, all predictable. none of it classic (listen to "astral weeks," or "veedon fleece," for the classic stuff). the only tune here that's close to outstanding is "gypsy in my soul," which is very, very strong. lots of the rest has an almost cheesy las vegas feel to it. and hey, nothing wrong with that; i find it enjoyable, myself. it's just not great. it doesn't even try for great. it is what it is: an easy to listen to piece of entertainment. fine by me.

A lot to like.......2007-02-10

I'm not really familiar with the career of Van Morrison or many of his recordings, but I was completely taken with this terrific collection of songs. Morrison has a smokey, bluesly delivery here that is tremendously appealing. My favorite tracks are "Stranded," and "Greta Garbo," but there aren't any losers on the whole CD. Highly recommended.

An eclectic mix of soul, jazz and blues.......2007-01-13

Van Morrison never fails to put across an intimate feel with his music. It seems to place you in a smoke filled juke joint somewhere in middle america, or in an upscale jazz club in some big city the moment you listen to it. His distinctive vocals always deliver the heart of the piece he is performing. This collection is exceptionally good, not one track you will likely skip during playtime. Well done...

Average customer rating:

Celtic Soul Brother #1
Sounds from somewhere above the clouds
van again.
Great Mellow Atmosphere
Vanfan

Beautiful Vision
Van Morrison
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002KNG
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Celtic Ray
Northern Muse
Dweller On The Threshold
Beautiful Vision
She Gives Me Religion
Cleaning Windows
Vanlose Stairway
Aryan Mist
Across The Bridge Where The Angels Dwell
Scandinavia

Amazon.com

This 1982 sleeper captures Van Morrison banking the fires of his more urgent, R&B-flavored '70s classics to sculpt a quieter, contemplative synthesis laced with Celtic flourishes, minimalist synthesizers, and the skeletal horn charts of saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis and trumpeter-synthesist Mark Isham. Neither as expansive as the pastoral jazz meditations of the underrated Common One nor as limpid as the glossier, sometimes gloomier confessional pop that dominates his later-'80s albums, Beautiful Vision hews to ballads and loping, midtempo songs that allow Morrison gentle foils for his unmistakable vocal melismas. On its best tracks, "Dweller on the Threshold," "Cleaning Windows," "Vanlose Stairway," and "She Gives Me Religion," he alchemizes soul, gospel, and his own Irish roots in a balance he would often pursue from this point forward. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Celtic Soul Brother #1.......2007-07-26

This belongs in the category of Van's great Celtic Soul albums like Astral Weeks, Common One and Veedon Fleece. Van expresses his Northern Irish roots in titles like "Northern Muse" and "Cleaning Windows". The latter song is as down-home and funny as Van has ever allowed himself to get since the out-takes from the Bang sessions. The closing improv where he raps in a broad Belfast accent about finding a "tanner and a three D bit" on the windowsill and having to "go down the dole" are classic stuff. In the same song, Van fills in his early musical and mystical history. "I heard Leadbelly and Blind Lemon on the street where I was born" "I went home and read my Christmas Humphries book on Zen". "Celtic Ray" is a beautiful evocation of life in Ireland, "When the coal brick man comes around, on a cold November day, You'll be on the Celtic ray, are you ready?" Yeah Van, I'm ready. Rock on celtic soul brother #1.

Sounds from somewhere above the clouds.......2007-05-22

think this may be my favourite Morrison album...but I am still not sure. "Poetic Champions", "Moondance" and "Into the Music" are also favourites, how can I narrrow it down to one? Well, either way this one is special - "Beautiful Vision" really does descend into the meditation and etheral zones and delivers some of the most uplifting popular music ever composed. In this way I see connections with other VM albums (Into the Music's "Healing has begun" and "its all in the Game/You know what they are talking about" and Common one's " summertime in England"). But this one is more consistent in its main themes of love, happiness, nature and spiritual nourishment. The listener may suspend the harsh realities of the modern world and just maybe "chill out" with the aspirational views and sounds. "Celtic Ray" celebrates the links between the Celts of the home countries. "Dweller on the Threshold" may be linked to hope and bravery of choice. "She gives me religion" opens us up to many possibilities but it takes joy in the simple but extemely powerful act of love. Then there a number of jewels that convey the joy of vision through music - "Beautiful Vision", "Aryan Mist" "Vanlose Stairways" and "Scandinavia". These songs are "bridged" by one of Van's most joyful, triumphant and hope-inspiring songs "Across the Bridge where Angels dwell". It's a place I definately want to be. The album ends with the oddity "Cleaning windows", a song that is misplaced on this album. Music for a cold winter's night with the lights down low. Beautiful Vision, Beautiful music.

van again........2007-01-12

This one is also gentle jazz, a little celtic rhythm too. And may I also recommend "Into the Music", which I just found recently. All good, middle era Van Morrisoon: mellow, mystic, celtic, lovely.

Great Mellow Atmosphere.......2006-02-20

Van is in a mellow grove on "Beautiful Vision". One of his more celtic-inspired albums, this one will take you on a wonderful and beautiful journey. Van's vocals, as always, are a wonder to behold.

Vanfan.......2005-10-22

This is one of my favorite cd's. I can listen all day and I'm floating!

Average customer rating:

Forever Gold
Van Morrison
Manufacturer: St. Clair Entertaiment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Common One
Inarticulate Speech of the Heart

ASIN: B000O78LCI
Release Date: 2007-05-03

Tracks:

Beside You
Brown-Eyed Girl
Chick-A-Boom
He Ain't Give You None
I Love You (Have I Told You Lately)
It's All Right
Midnight Special
Spanish Rose
Back Room
Smile You Smile

Product Description

1.Beside You ;2.Brown-Eyed Girl ;3.Chick-A-Boom ;4.He Aint Give You None ;5.I Love You (Have I Told You Lately) ;6.Its All Right ;7.Midnight Special 8;Spanish Rose ;9.The Back Room ;10.The Smile You Smile

Average customer rating:

she's so cool!!
Good, but not what I expected
Incredible!
Buy This CD Immediately
Please lose the singer.....

Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul
Eileen Ivers
Manufacturer: Koch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

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

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

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Wild Blue
Traditional Irish Music
Crossing the Bridge
So Far: The Eileen Ivers Collection
Waiting for an Echo

ASIN: B000087JC6
Release Date: 2003-02-25

Tracks:

Darlin' Corey
Afro Jig
Reconciliation
Paddy In Zululand
Go Lassie Go
Mundo Pequeno (Small World)
Craic With Jack
Bx Style
Dance All Night
Parting Of Friends (Poem)
Parting Of Friends (Air)
Zululand (reprise)

Customer Reviews:

she's so cool!!.......2007-06-01

I got a chance to see Eileen Ivers live and couldn't get her out of my head, so ordered this the very next day! What a wonderful cd!! Its celtic, its funky, its fun, it is a good good time!! Buy it, you'll love it.

Good, but not what I expected.......2007-03-20

I thought it would be more trad fiddle. But, it's a fun CD to listen to!

Incredible!.......2007-01-20

Excellent and she's even better in concert! Best concert I've ever been to. How she manages to play the fiddle while dancing is beyond me. AND her band is from all over the world and just as talented!

Buy This CD Immediately.......2004-11-09

I was taken to see Eileen Ivers last winter and had no idea what to expect. Words cannot describe the energy of the concert nor Ivers immense talent. I bought the CD and hav not stopped listening to it yet. Don't even hesitate, it is an incrediable blending of Irish tunes with Puerto Rican beats.

Please lose the singer............2004-10-15

Eileen Ivers is the best violinist I have ever heard in my life, and she is incredibly innovative, but what was she thinking when she got this singer guy? He is frickin' horrible!!! He needs to shut the hell up and just let her do what she does best. Check out crossing the bridge....It's a phenominal record with no annoying vocals.

Average customer rating:

Another mystical experience
Poetic Champions Compose
A workingman in his prime
Poetry
Sublime

Poetic Champions Compose
Van Morrison
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

No Guru, No Method, No Teacher
Avalon Sunset
Enlightenment
Into the Music
Inarticulate Speech of the Heart

ASIN: B000009DDN
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

Spanish Steps
The Mystery
Queen Of The Slipstream
I Forgot Love Existed
Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
Celtic Excavation
Someone Like You
Alan Watts Blues
Give Me My Rapture
Did Ye Get Healed?
Allow Me

Amazon.com

If his albums are any indication, Van Morrison seems to have bounced between religions like a demented pinball. Amazingly, for a decade that saw the Belfast enigma explore Christianity and Scientology before returning, on Avalon Sunset, to Christianity, Poetic Champions Compose serves as a reminder that Van managed to even cram in an agnostic phase along the way. With this in mind, a desperately bleak version of the folk standard "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" lacerates the heartstrings. But the album shouldn't be assumed by any means to be a depressing affair. Three saxophone instrumentals, including the Miles Davis-influenced "Spanish Steps," lend a crisp Sunday morning feel to much of the proceedings, while "Queen of the Slipstream" and the live favorite "Did Ye Get Healed" suggest that, however bad the crisis of faith was (and the quite awesome preceding album No Guru, No Method, No Teacher suggests it was pretty bad), here is a man ultimately happy to find redemption in a love song. --Peter Paphides

Customer Reviews:

Another mystical experience .......2007-03-12

Relating to this album as another Van Morrison release is missing the point. Each of his recordings give a glimpse as to where he is on a mystical, spiritual journey. Morrison likes to plumb the depths; this is no bubblegum artist. However, this fact doesn't negate a playful side. Morrison is versatile enough to touch all bases.

" Poetic Champions..." seems a great introduction to the "adult" Van Morrison. After rollicking good times on many old gems ( " Tupelo Honey", " St.Dominics...") Morrison got serious in the mid 80's. 1987 saw the release of this album, containing dreams and lullabies for the mature set.

" Spanish Steps" purrs. An instrumental, it actually sasheys and purrs. "The Mystery" is an open invitation to embrace the unknown while having faith, the challenge all spiritual seekers wrestle with.

" I Forgot That Love Existed" is a wake-up call. The heart still beats, even as the head tries to snuff it out. " Someone Like You" has been featured in quite a few romantic films, but it plays better among its family. " Allow Me", the closing, another instrumental, floats along like a flower, mid-air, on a spring day.

Always rich in imagry, Morrison begins a cycle that recalls seasons; "Poetic Champions..." is fitting for this time of year, awakening from a long winter, happily drifting toward a warm spring.

Poetic Champions Compose .......2007-01-17

I had not bought a Van Morrison album in many years but one night my wife was watching one of her chic flicks, "Bridget Jones Diary" and I heard an awesome, soulfull love song in the film and it sounded like Van Morrison. I checked it out. The song was "Someone Like You" and I finally found a vinyl copy of the album and I listened to it probably four hours that night. The album never grows old. I'm 54 years old and I have an enormouse record collection spanning 5 decades. This album would be in my top 5. All songs on the album are wonderful, but my favourite is "Queen of The Slipstream". Anyone not moved by this album is not human.

A workingman in his prime.......2006-06-07

The line above is from Cleaning Windows, a song from another CD, but it applies to Poetic Champions Compose as well -- Van Morrison is INTO this music, committed to it, and it is music that means something. Neil Drinkwater's keyboards are silk; Van's saxophone chops are up to the task; and his distinctive voice is as expressive as ever. True enough, this is a more romantic, spiritual side of Van, but artists worth the name always strike out for new territories. For 40 years, Van has led his listeners through combinations of rock, pop, soul, folk, country, jazz, celtic, r&b, and whatever else moved him. This is the record that got me hooked on Van, and years later, it is the record that still pierces my heart.

Poetry.......2005-10-26

The moment you start this journey, hearing Mr. Morrison blowing his alto sax, you KNOW this is no regular event. The mood is set - somber, deep and achingly beautiful. Be ready for the simple, honest lyrics set to true soul music from this small powerhouse of a man. He gets spiritual with THE MYSTERY, shares his longing on QUEEN OF THE SLIPSTREAM, bares his heart on I FORGOT THAT LOVE EXISTED, and on and on. But when he sings SOMEONE LIKE YOU, a tear should fall from anyone who's been in love's eye - man or woman. Van continues on a journey into the blues and then back to the spiritual. It doesn't have to end there if you hit repeat. Perfection!!

Sublime.......2005-10-11

This cd has been in my sound system for ten years, on and off. It simply refuses to grow old. I get withdrawal symptoms when I haven't heard it for a length of time. Beautiful, haunting, romantic, melodic...I do not command the vocabulary to describe the power of this cd.

I have nearly 900 cds in my collection. This is in the top three. This is a Desert Island Disc, for those of you who know what that is.

Beyond description. Beyond compare.

Average customer rating:

Falling in Love with your Path, Choices, and where you draw lines
Does Van ever make a bad album?
swinging r & b from van the master.
Solid classic Van
I have them all.

Down the Road
Van Morrison
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

What's Wrong With This Picture?
The Healing Game
Back on Top
Magic Time
Days Like This

ASIN: B0000646UW
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

Down the Road
Meet Me in the Indian Summer
Steal My Heart Away
Hey Mr DJ
Talk is Cheap
Choppin' Wood
What Makes The Irish Heart Beat
All work and No Play
Whatever Happened to PJ Proby ?
The Beauty of the Days Gone BY
Georgia on my Mind
Only a Dream
Man Has to Struggle

Amazon.com

Van Morrison's childhood was steeped in American music, in part because he grew up the son of a rabid collector of classic jazz and R&B records. Morrison's infatuation with the music understandably led to the raucous, blues-rooted performances of Them and his early solo records, but it also inspired his long, oft-misunderstood journey to find music more spiritually and geocentrically rooted. This inviting, if typically restive, collection brings the singer full circle, suggesting you can indeed go home again--and that your life's journey just might make you appreciate it with new eyes. Thirteen of these tracks are Morrison originals, though they have a warm, almost subliminal familiarity. Good-natured shuffles like the title track, "Choppin' Wood," and "Hey Mr. DJ" have a nostalgic edge that sharpens considerably on the jaunty "Whatever Happened to PJ Proby?," where Morrison grouses, "Nothin' much to relate to anymore / 'less you wanna be mediocre." But there's considerably more than simple blues redux on Morrison's agenda, as his graceful ballad "Steal My Heart Away" and sublime covers of Hoagy Carmichael's "Georgia" and Acker Bilk's "Evening Shadows" (originally an instrumental but now with lyrics by Morrison and an evocative, signature clarinet solo from Bilk himself) prove. A return to the classic Morrison sound, perhaps, but one gratifyingly informed by three decades of musical and spiritual pondering. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

2002 album with 2 UK bonus tracks added 'Evening Shadows' & 'Fast Train'.

Customer Reviews:

Falling in Love with your Path, Choices, and where you draw lines.......2007-06-21

It's my last day teaching this class and that's sad mostly....school's out. First graders are now second coming.

So I'm listening to Van as I put the crayons away in color cups, organize for summer school. Clean, sweat, think and daze. Feeling the usual remorse, regret, loss and a sense of relief, joy, wonder and exhaustedly realize this is the last time I'll need to say...it's been a very tough time teaching through the nightmare of adopting the canned scripts NCLB reform shoved down my throat.. Because the fight is largely over. "They" won and the kids are going to be disadvantaged like I never thought possible, at least mine are....ah...it hurts to go there. Watch Congress reauthorize and be proud they'll magically get a "growth model" while Kennedy tests his children's, no, that's our children's so called progress working their behinds off, tests more and better-what he wants is 'rigor'. Hope not mortis... Great master plans from the Bushes et al seem to lead us to the places like where I am...in a ghetto with less, now way less. So what's new. Oh, yeah, call it progressive political vision. Van's CD is about a good a tonic as I know right now today. I think he'll forgive the rant. I really do. Pour it over my heart and soul. Sylvia and I are singing.

So...this is a wonderful set of songs if you aren't 25 anymore, except on the inside. And you wish love was real, and you wish you had someone that knew. It's a collection of someone singing to the way it is, or at least we mythologize it is. But I'm so tired all I can do is say, go listen yourself for you. iTunes at the least. I love Indian Summer, Down the Road, Steal My Heart Away, The Beauty of the Days Gone By. And so many..

I'm headed back home again. It's a deep reach to find enough love to do this work, find the resources and the ways to sustain believing in anyone or anything. Especially this year, especially this year. Thanks for the tunes, Van.

Does Van ever make a bad album? .......2007-03-10

I dont know what else to say in here that is not already covered, only this is now my 9th Van CD on my ipod. while allot of all bleeds together in "sameness" it just works. I use shuffle and my pod is on most of the day, so this kind of music along with classical opera and bluegrass just seems to work great for all day listening.

swinging r & b from van the master........2007-02-20

two wonderful slow numbers, "the beauty of the day's gone by," and "georgia on my mind," and thirteen swinging uptempo r & b treats make up this fine recording. the mood is relaxed and easy, with plenty of guitar, horns, and hammond organ along the way to provide a soulful groove on which van's singular voice can ride. released in 2002 this is one of mr morrison's strongest releases of the twenty-first century. long may he record.

Solid classic Van.......2006-04-09

The album opens with the title track, setting the tone as one of reflection on days gone by. This mellow mid-tempo song with intricate instrumental flourishes is followed by the buoyant Meet Me In The Indian Summer, a catchy love song.

Steal My Heart Away is also a love song, but slower and more soulful with evocative imagery, Hey Mr DJ is a chugging pop number with lovely backing vocals and a bit of Morrison's wordless vocalising, whilst Talk Is Cheap is a slow bluesy song about the pitfalls of fame.

The tuneful ballad What Makes The Irish Heart Beat is a definite highlight of the album, infused with Celtic soul. All Work And No Play is a pleasant enough pop ditty and the next one, Whatever Happened To PJ Proby is really interesting as he references various obscure British singers from the 1960s.

One of my favourites is the stirring nostalgic ballad The Beauty Of The Days Gone By with its gorgeous melody and poetic lyrics. I also love the tuneful and lilting Only A Dream. The last song, Fast Train with its appealing organ and harmonica made me think of Arlo Guthrie's Last Train, but is nowhere near as heart-breaking and intense. And that is what I miss on this album: Van's intensely devotional moments.

Down The Road displays all the various styles of the artist, like R & B, rock and his Irish soulfulness but sticks mostly to the middle of the road. The songs are mostly good and sometimes great as in the aforementioned tracks. Down The Road is really a 5-star album, but measured against Van Morrison's vast body of musical genius, it comes in at four.

I have them all........2005-09-14

I have been listening to Van Morrison since I stumbled upon a copy of "Tupelo Honey" when I was 18 and it blew me away. He never really made a bad album, but you can spend you money safely here. I keep waiting for another "No Guru" or "Astral Weeks" and this is not that but it is better than 99% of the music out there. Keep it coming Van!

The Ladder of the Soul - Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, & Integration

Average customer rating:

Centering and healing
Time for Ladder of the Soul #2
beautiful music, beautifully played
My Heartfelt Review for "The Ladder of the Soul"
The Most Beautiful Music

The Ladder of the Soul - Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, & Integration
Paul Baker
Manufacturer: Vocal Integration Concepts
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Tranquil Harp: Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, Integration
The Healer's Way: soothing music for those in pain, Vol. I
Healing from the harp
The Healers Way: Calming Music For Anxiety Vol. II
Harp Of The Healing Light

ASIN: B00005MCVL
Release Date: 2001-06-15

Tracks:

Awakening
Acceptance
Understanding
Compassion
Forgiveness
Loving
Grace
Transcendence

Album Description

Peaceful relaxation and meditation music performed on the Celtic harp by master harpist Paul Baker. Following in the tradition of “The Tranquil Harp”, “The Ladder of the Soul” presents eight improvisations in keys corresponding to the energy centers of the body. The improvisations are designed to ground your body, open and tune your mind, balance your emotions and soothe your spirit. The pure and ancient sound of the harp, sometimes called “the ladder between earth and heaven”, is ideal for relaxation, meditation and integration. Each track is provided with a suggested meditation.

Customer Reviews:

Centering and healing.......2007-02-22

This healing music can be used with babies, little children, and testy adults! Paul Baker's unique inovative style provides wonderful, soothing sounds that can be used for meditation or to create a quiet space.

Time for Ladder of the Soul #2.......2006-04-11

Beautiful throughout. Mr. Baker, your music is wonderful. I feel totally peaceful while stretching the morning. It' time for another masterpiece.

beautiful music, beautifully played.......2005-03-30

Lovely music, not only played with great skill by Paul Baker, but also music whose heart and sincerity of compassion shines through. Not overly simplistic like some massage music, but rather with real musical interest and beauty.

My Heartfelt Review for "The Ladder of the Soul".......2004-05-23

I am continually amazed by the healing power of music. Especially harp music. As those who know me know, my healing from a debilitating stroke came about in large part due to the improvisational healing harp of one man: Paul Baker.

Mr. Baker is such a talented person. He could have chosen to record albums using his vast knowledge and technique on the large and impressive concert harp, piano, or organ. However, for posterity, he chose to record improvisations for healing on the smaller and more personal celtic harp.

How does one capture the essence of such music in words? His two albums, "The Tranquil Harp" and "The Ladder of the Soul" are groundbreaking in their simplicity and breadth. And each one has its own unique place in my life.

"The Tranquil Harp" helped me most in my physical healing. Its music is very basic, simple, and gentle. It has brought, and continues to bring, growth and strength to every part of my physical being. To play it is to bathe in regeneration and light.

"The Ladder of the Soul" continues this healing on the emotional and spiritual planes. It connects our essence to the divine in such a way that we emerge purer and more aware of our true being and purpose in this life. This is real health. Divine health. What a gift to be brought to us by one man. This album is so aptly named as it proves that the harp truly is "the ladder between earth and heaven," connecting us to the divine safely and lovingly.

Thank you, Mr. Baker, for sharing yourself in such a way that allows all of us to unfold in ourselves and in the world with true happiness and peace.

The Most Beautiful Music.......2002-03-19

The Ladder of the Soul has become my favorite CD of all, and with good reason. I love this CD! It`s the most beautiful relaxing music I have ever listened to. If you have a stressful job or just want to unwind this is the CD for you. A cup of tea with Paul Baker is a peaceful way to end any day.

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