Celtic Sessions

About the Artist
Irish traditional music is one of the most sought after forms of music in the world today. It is an oral tradition passed from generation to generation and from player to player. This compilation represents all that is best in Irish traditional music. Bringing together all the elements that have influenced Irish traditional music Celtic Sessions offers a wide range of repertoire from the great Kerry fiddling tradition through to the music of Sligo's Michael Coleman as well as featuring some of the big time greats such as the Bucks of Oranmore.

Tracks:

Foggy Dew
Follow Me Up To Carlow
The Rock Road To Dublin
Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore
McApline's Fusilers
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
I'll Tell Me Ma
Aishley Falls
The Leaving Of Liverpool
Pair Of Brown Eyes
Weila Waile
The Auld Triangle
Raglan Road

Amazon.com

Cut from the same cloth as bands like Great Big Sea, Black 47, and the Pogues, the Young Dubliners put some rock 'n' roll in their Irish ditties. Here on its sixth album, the L.A.-based band looks back to the old country, mostly reinterpreting some of the Emerald Isle's greatest songs. Pogues fans will recognize such classics as "If I Should Fail To Fall From The Grace Of God" and "Pair Of Brown Eyes," and there are two Dubliners songs too, but the rest are traditionals as well as one original and one song adapted from a Patrick Kavanagh poem. Likely best enjoyed in the company of friends, this album is prime fodder for night of drinking in the pub thanks to the sing along choruses and big crunchy guitar parts. It's a fair piece from the tradition, but this band manages to keep the communal aspect of Irish music intact, and that means this tribute hits just the right note. --Tad Hendrickson

Album Description

The hard-rockin' Irish band the Young Dubliners celebrate St. Paddy's day with all the gusto and charm only a bunch of good ole Irish lads can do (with a couple of American's to even out the pot). All the pub favorites with a few ballads thrown in for good measure. Why, it's what St. Patrick himself would be hummin' if he had the mind to...

Customer Reviews:

With All Due Respect, The Irish Sessions.......2007-08-06

I saw the Young Dubs a month or so ago on a whim. They were playing a show by my house and decided to just go check them out.
I really like this band, they are a lot along the lines of Blood Or Whiskey but a bit less rough sounding vocally.
With All Due Respect, The Irish Sessions is a very good album. You get some Pogues covers along with a lot of traditional Irish songs but with thier own style melded into it all.
I really like their rendition of If I fall from the Grace of God (Pogues), the Young Dubs added thier own little hook into it which just makes it really pop.

This is a good album, if you like The Pogues, Blood or Whiskey, ect you will very much enjoy this album.

Keep up the Tradition.......2007-06-08

The Dubs are going through the motions to cover well known Irish songs.

The Young Dubliners have covered some of these songs on thier previous albums. Earlier versions of Rocky Road to Dublin and Ashley Falls are far superior on "Rocky Road" as well as Follow Me Up to Carlow and Foggy Dew on "Breathe"

Take one listen to The Foggy Dew on "Breathe" and hear the passion. A great tribute to a great song. Luke Kelly would have been proud. I just don't hear any of that fire in this collection. Not to many groups can cover Pogues songs well and here is another example.

Great idea but it falls short.

Frenetic.......2007-06-08

This would be a great CD if you were trying to provide accompaniment at a ceili. It was too raucous for me. Good for a St. Pat's day Pub crowd.

Another great one from the Dubs!.......2007-05-28

Here is another great release from the Dubs! This is a collection of traditional Irish tunes with the Dubs spin on them. All the songs are performed well and provide a truly enjoyable listen. Whether you are a long time fan or just interested in trying out the Young Dubliners for the first time, I certainly recommend this one.

With All Due Respect, The Irish Sessions.......2007-04-12

Irish Punk Rock a la Pogues/Popes treatment of traditional Irish Rebel Tunes without the musicianship demonstrated by by Pogues/Popes. Overall interesting but by no means the best.

Down the Old Plank Road: The Nashville Sessions

Average customer rating:

Roots of Bluegrass
Great roots music!!
MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
Martina McBride Is a Revelation
Irish Muusic and Bluegrass Is a Natural Combination

Down the Old Plank Road: The Nashville Sessions
The Chieftains
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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Further Down the Old Plank Road
Another Country
Long Black Veil
The Wide World Over: A 40 Year Celebration
Water From the Well

ASIN: B00006AG7G
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Tracks:

Down the Old Plank Road (w/ John Hiatt, Bela Fleck, Jeff White and Tim O'Brien)
Country Blues (w/ Buddy & Julie Miller)
Sally Goodin (w/ Earl Scruggs)
Dark as a Dungeon (w/ Vince Gill)
Cindy (w/ Kentucky Thunder & Ricky Skaggs)
Molly Ban (Bawn) (w/ Alison Krauss)
Don't Let Your Deal Go Down (w/ Lyle Lovett)
Medley: Ladies Pantalettes; Belles of Blackville; First House in Connaught (w/ Bela Fleck)
Whole Heap of Little Horses (w/ Patty Griffin)
Rain and Snow (w/ The Del McCoury Band)
I'll Be All Smiles Tonight (w/ Martina McBride)
Tennessee Stud (w/ Jeff White)
Katie Dear (w/ Gillian Welch & David Rawlings)
Give the Fiddler a Dram (Finale)

Amazon.com

Now that bluegrass is (again) momentarily cool, leave it to the Chieftains to (again) plunge an all-star country cast into the Celtic wellsprings of old-time music, just as they did 10 years ago with 1992's Another Country. It's no surprise that the Chieftains can handle the rapacious rhythms of a hot fiddle tune; whether they can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Tim O'Brien, Béla Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, and Del McCoury is another matter. Rest assured they can, and they even coax some inspired jamming from Earl Scruggs--who sounds like he has something to prove on "Sally Goodin"--and a chilling vocal from Alison Krauss on "Molly Ban," the Celtic equivalent of "Fair and Tender Maidens." The Chieftains' only miscue comes in wasting Vince Gill's talents on a busily arranged "Dark as a Dungeon." While this set will likely appeal more to fans of contemporary Irish music than to hard-core twang fans, anyone who loves acoustic roots music will find these collaborations refreshing, if not down-right bracing. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

Roots of Bluegrass.......2007-05-24

The Chieftains..BLUE GRASS?
Yep, shure 'nough is, y'all.
Well, sorta...

When people hear "Chieftains" they're thinking Irish, Gaelic..but BLUE GRASS? Actually it's not a stretch at all considering that Irish folk music played a major role in the creation of American folk music, Blue Grass (Tenessee, Kentucky)--and via Blue Grass to Country & Western. Of course other ethnic flavors are involved including Scottish & colonial British, French, Spanish & African (Gospel, Blues, Jazz.)

To offer a comparison, the soundtrack of "O, Brother, Where Art Thou?" gives a pretty good sampler of Blue Grass, & this CD does the same--but with more songs, more A-List US artists (John Hiatt, Bela Fleck, Earl Scruggs, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Lyle Lovetti, Paty Griffin & other greats) resulting in this more artistically cohesive CD.

So where are the Chiefains you might ask? Well, it's true they are more in the studio background than the forefront, but once you realize how effective that the background is, you can enjoy the final result.

The CD features the original musical treatment of such standards as Don't Let Your Deal Go Down, Whole Heaps of Little Horses, Tennesse Stud, and Katie Dear [A variant of Silver Dagger]

Long Black Veil
Water From the Well
Tears Of Stone
Northern Journey
Four Strong Winds
Early Morning Rain
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The First 10 Years
Joan Baez
In Concert
Basket of Light

Great roots music!!.......2006-04-17

What can I say that hasn't been said already? This is a great CD. The song "Rain and Snow" by the Del McCoury Band is, in my opinion, worth the purchase alone. Other highlights include: "Dark as a Dungeon" by Vince Gill, "Molly Ban" by the always wonderful Alison Krauss, and "Tennessee Stud" by Jeff White. Celtic music is so ethereal whereas bluegrass seems to ground the music and give it that extra folksy feel. The music is passionate and describes lifestyles, especially those of the Appalachians, which weren't always glamorous yet were rich in heritage and pride. Tremendous musical combination!

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN.......2005-07-30

Take the elegant, sweet vocals of Alison Krauss, and combine them with the crushing instrumental power of the Chieftains, and you have one of the greatest musical collaborations of the last 50 years. Absolutely top-to-bottom brilliance. Highly recommend to anyone who likes bluegrass, traditional folk, Celtic, oxygen, or food! A MUST OWN!

Martina McBride Is a Revelation.......2005-07-23

Excellent, if somewhat eclectic, album, and I wish the Chieftains had been more front and center. But I find the album a consistent delight, with (and to be expected)typically first- rate performances from Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss, Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, etc. But the revelation for me was Martina McBride's "I'll Be All Smiles Tonight." Where did that come from? She could out-Rhonda Rhonda Vincent when it comes to powerful Bluegrass ballad wailing. I've never been a big McBride fan, but I'd sure be interested in more stuff like this.

Irish Muusic and Bluegrass Is a Natural Combination.......2005-03-22

There are two types of people in this world: Those who were born Irish and the rest of us who wish we were. [I fall into the latter category.] I have been nurturing a love affair with both bluegrass and Irish music for more than thirty years, and the links between the two genres have never been more evident than on this meeting of the Chieftains and some of the biggest names in bluegrass and country music, including Bela Fleck, Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, the Del McCoury Band, Alison Krauss, Tim O'Brien and Vince Gill.

Highlights include the instrumentals "Sally Goodin" and the medley of reels, along with Vince Gill's Take on the Merle Travis classic "Dark As a Dungeon" and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings mournful "Katie Dear." The album closes on a rousing note with the 10-minute romp "Give the Fiddler a Dram."

While I have to agree with my fellow reviewers who feel that the Chieftains have been relegated to session player status on this recording, this is a thoroughly satisfying album from start to finish. [Playing Time 54:30] RECOMMENDED

Treasure Box: The Complete Sessions, 1991-1999

Average customer rating:

The Greatest
Must Have
A Wonderful Treasure Box
Simply the best
Why are you reading my review???

Treasure Box: The Complete Sessions, 1991-1999
The Cranberries
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
The Cranberries - Live
The Cranberries - Stars - The Best Videos 1992-2002
Are You Listening
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Cranberries

ASIN: B00005YW4B
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

I Still Do
Dreams
Sunday
Pretty
Waltzing Back
Not Sorry
Linger
Wanted
Still Can't...
I Will Always
How
Put Me Down
Reason
Them
What You Were
Liar
Pretty (Pret A Porter Movie Remix)
How (Radical Mix)

Tracks:

Ode To My Family
I Can't Be With You
Twenty One
Zombie
Empty
Everything I Said
The Icicle Melts
Disappointment
Ridiculous Thoughts
Dreaming My Dreams
Yeat's Grave
Daffodil Lament
No Need To Argue
Away
I Don't Need
Close To You
So Cold In Ireland
Zombie (Camel's Hump Mix)

Tracks:

Hollywood
Salvation
When You're Gone
Free To Decide
War Child
Forever Yellow Skies
The Rebels
Intermission
I Just Shot John Lennon
Electric Blue
I'm Still Remembering
Will You Remember?
Joe
Bosnia
Cordell
The Picture I View
Ave Maria
Go Your Own Way
God Be With You

Tracks:

Animal Instinct
Loud And Clear
Promises
You And Me
Just My Imagination
Shattered
Desperate Andy
Saving Grace
Copycat
What's On My Mind
Delilah
Fee Fi Fo
Dying In The Sun
Sorry Son
Baby Blues
Sweetest Thing
Woman Without Pride
Such A Shame
Paparazzi On Mopeds

Amazon.com

If this ambitious, completist retrospective of Limerick, Ireland's most notable '90s musical export seems more befitting a rock dinosaur than a band whose résumé spans but four albums, it's perhaps a telling comment on both the potency of the Cranberries' international success and the often treacherous vagaries of the contemporary music business. Though singer Dolores O'Riordan was a last-minute addition to the lineup, her unique vocal talents quickly came to virtually define the band, largely overshadowing founders Noel and Mike Hogan in the bargain. This set documents the band's rise from its debut, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Cant We? (and its sleeper hit "Linger"), through its artistic recapitulation, 1999's Bury the Hatchet, dedicating a disc to each album and offering up a generous selection of period-appropriate bonus tracks (mostly from B-sides, remixes, and other collections). But it's a rocky, cautionary road, especially after the band followed up its sublime No Need to Argue and breakout single "Zombie" with the turgid, modern-rock posturing of To the Faithful Departed, the band's ill-fated collaboration with Aerosmith producer Bruce Fairbairn; Cranberries, meet turkey. If that effort foolishly squandered the successes garnered by their guitar-driven "indie rock meets Celtic folk mysticism" charms, Hatchet returned them to their roots posthaste, but arguably too late. The bonus material is equally far ranging (and just as mixed)--from an embarrassing Pavarotti collaboration to decidedly left-field covers of the Carpenters' "Close to You" and Fleetwood Mac's "Go You Own Way," tracks that further underscore O'Riordan's singular abilities to interpret a song. It's an anthology that suggests that the Cranberries were considerably more than the sum of "Linger," "Zombie," "Salvation," "Ode to My Family," and their other standout songs--but also one that demonstrates how quickly much-touted alt-indie sensibilities can be disastrously co-opted. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

2002 box-set featuring the Cranberries first four studio albums. Each album has been digitally remastered and features bonus tracks. 'Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Cant We?' (1993) includes six bonus tracks, 'Reason', 'Them', 'What You Were', 'Liar', 'Pretty' (Remix) & 'How' (Remix). Their second album, 'No Need To Argue' (1994) includes five bonus tracks, 'Away', 'I Don't Need', '(They Long To Be) Close To You', 'So Cold In Ireland' & 'Zombie' (Remix). Their third album, 'To The Faithful Departed' (1996 & out-of-print in the U.S.) includes five bonus tracks, 'Cordell', 'The Picture I View', 'Ave Maria' (with Pavarotti), 'Go Your Own Way' & 'God Be With You'. Their fourth album, 'Bury The Hatchet' (1999) includes five bonus tracks, 'Baby Blues', 'Sweetest Thing', 'Woman Without Pride', 'Such A Shame' & 'Paparazzi On Mopeds'. Four standard jewel cases housed in a slipcase. 2002.

Album Details

Box Set featuring the Groups First Four Studio Albums Remastered and Includes Bonus Tracks and Enhanced Packaging.

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest.......2003-11-18

This is the best cause you get all of the cranberries songs in one box. Te amo la cranberries y tu eres me favorita!

Must Have.......2003-10-25

The Cranberries Treasure Box is amazing! The box design is cute and charming. Even if you are a fanberrie and own all the c.d.s already you still need this to complete your collection. Every c.d. is remade and includes extra tracks from when that particular c.d. came out so that means you will get every c.d. again but with extra (hard to find) tracks. There are 21 total extras in the whole set. And they are all great, My favorite extra track is "So Cold In Ireland" There is also I really neat song it is a preformance by:Doloras and Pavarotti called Ave Maria. This is one of the coolest things I spent my money on worth ever cent!

A Wonderful Treasure Box.......2003-08-17

Every single Cd is marvellous. If you love Cranberries, you should purchase such a magnificent item.

This is people's chance to listen to Cranberries B-Sides, and be aware of how wonderful these songs are. I also love Dolores O'Riordan voice.

If you have the opportunity and the means to buy it, do not waste your time... You will be really amazed with this product.
In simple words, 'I love my treasure box'...

Get your own soon!!!

Simply the best.......2002-07-22

I already had all of the Cranberries CD's before I bought this, but I still think that it was well worth my investment. There are a TON of songs and all of them are excellent. Like the title says, the Cranberries are simply the best band out there in my (if somewhat un-objective) opinion.

Why are you reading my review???.......2002-07-11

To put it mildly, this is the best music purchase I've ever made. The Cranberries are, in my opinion, the best band out there right now. I cannot get tired of listening to their music! Most good bands have three or so really good songs per CD. Well, EVERY song on these CD's is great. If you like The Cranberries as I do, you may also want to check out Dido's CD, "No Angel".

Average customer rating:

Great Music from Both Sides of the Pond

Transatlantic Sessions
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Ceili Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Transatlantic Sessions 2, Vol. 1
Transatlantic Sessions 2 V.2
The Hits

ASIN: B00004S393
Release Date: 2000-04-18

Tracks:

Waiting For The Federals - Aly Bain
Simple Life - Ricky Skaggs
Sanseptique - Tommy Hayes
Bachelor's Walk - Breda Smyth
Always Will - Nanci Griffith/Ricky Skaggs/Sharon White
La Danse De La Vie - Michael Doucet
Nobody Wins - Radney Foster
Magic Foot - Sharon Shannon
Storms Are On The Ocean - Sharon White
Trouble In The Fields - Maura O'Connell
Hummingbird - Eddi Reader
Tribute To Peadar O'Donnell - Jerry Douglas
September When It Comes - Rosanne Cash
Marriage Made In Hollywood - Paul Brady
Puirt A Beul - Iain MacDonald

Amazon.com

Originally recorded for a BBC television program, Transatlantic Sessions Two, this collection of modern and traditional acoustic music celebrates the Scots-Irish influence on both sides of the big pond with charm, grace, and melancholic beauty. Producer Jerry Douglas, the Dobro wizard whose work has informed much of the best of Nashville's progressive music in the '90s, culls performers from American folk and country (Ricky Skaggs, Nanci Griffith, Radney Foster, Rosanne Cash) to augment artists best known in their native Great Britain. While lively pipes and pennywhistles underscore the album's theme and threaten to transplant listeners to the Emerald Isle, the standout performances are also the most straightforward: Maura O'Connell's dusky rendering of Griffith's "Trouble in the Fields," Foster's emotionally resonant rendition of "Nobody Wins," and Paul Brady's sardonic "Marriage Made in Hollywood," about a drug user's very public death and the celebrity machine that rules all America. A most arresting, if sometimes enigmatic compendium. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews:

Great Music from Both Sides of the Pond.......2000-06-30

While this title undoubtedly has its weak spots, it is, overall, one of the best compilations of folk music to blend American and Scot/Irish influences. In the U.K., this recording of a BBC television program received popular acclaim. However, in the U.S., its release came and went with barely a whisper. In fact, in the days before Amazon.com, I couldn't locate the CD anywhere in the Atlanta, GA, area. Finally, friends from Scotland came to my rescue with a prized copy.

Producer Jerry Douglas has assembled a strong sampling of some of the best acoustic artists from both sides of the Atlantic. While some of the names are familiar to American listeners, others have achieved little commercial success in the U.S. -- most notably some of the Brits.

Singer/songwriter Nanci Griffith turns in her usual solid performance, with lilting vocals, evocative writing and adequate guitar. However, the selection she chose to perform is, in my estimation, one of her weaker efforts.

Ricky Skaggs, as always, turns in a pleasing performance, making you long for the "Simple Life" of his Kentucky homeland. But, again, the choice of material is questionable, given Skaggs' rich catalog of work.

Other artists, like Michael Doucet and Eddie Reader, get your feet tapping. On the flip side, Maura O'Connell evokes emotions from deep within, with her melancholy voice and compelling material. Performers like Rosanne Cash and Radney Foster turn in solid performances and lend the production a bit of name recognition. And even Paul Brady's satirical tale of fame, drugs and death can't make you feel anything less than disappointed when this CD draws to a close.

Tracks:

Stolen Purse
Ballyogan
Punch
The Dimmers
Island Paddy
Sean In The Fog
Bulgarian Rock
The Wounded Hussar
The Walrus
Maids In The Kitchen
Tie The Bonnet

Amazon.com

It didn't take long for Lunasa to conquer the Celtic music scene, sealing the deal with a ton of strong notices for its self-titled debut Lunasa in 1997. Since then the band has established itself as a group of players' players who can roar through a winding jig or reel without bruising it. With the unobtrusive upright bass as the only tweaking of the tradition, the band sticks to such time-honored Celtic instruments as flute, whistle, bodhran, fiddle and acoustic guitar -- the lightning playing of flutist Kevin Crawford and violinist Sean Smyth stand out here. The band again draws upon traditional reels, for the most part, but "Ballogan" is a gentle and noteworthy original from Crawford. Other highlights are the giddy jig "Maids In The Kitchen," the melancholy "The Dimmers," and the flute-driven "Walrus." Recorded live before a small invited audience at the supposedly haunted Kinnitty Castle in Ireland, the only scary thing about the session is the top-flight musicianship. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

their best album yet (in my opinion).......2005-10-12

I have all of Lunasa's CDs, and they are all very good, but in my opinion this is their best recording yet. Others may disagree, but there seems to be an energy in their playing here that I thought was a bit lacking in their previous 2 albums, good though they were. Maybe the live nature of this recording accounts for that. The only track that I am not so keen on is 'The Wounded Hussar', but that is just a personal preference - I'm not a great fan of pipe solos. The only criticism I have of this album is that it is too short!

Good, but not excellent like the first two CDs.......2004-11-25

With all due respect to the fine musicians of the current incarnation of Lunasa, the original group and the first two albums are simply a hard act to follow in terms of sheer energy and creative arrangements. The Kinnity Sessions stand out as good, tradional Irish Music. However, I have to take exception to a featured reviewer saying they have conquered the Celtic Music genre. Most Irish would pause on the word "conquer" and give you a typical "Pog mo thoin!" (don't ask me what they want you to kiss). Lunasa has good Irish reviews that should be used with credibility for the purpose here. There are many different styles and tastes in Irish Traditional Music and they are all legitimate. If anyone wants to hear the best Lunasa by my standard (rhythm driven creative arrangements), it isn't this album, despite the fact that this is a good CD with some excellent tracks (especially tracks 2, 10 and 11). Try "Lunasa" and "Otherworld" for comparison.

Another Great One.......2004-06-17

What can I say, Lunasa never ceases to impress. The musicianship and song compilation on this album are true Lunasa caliber. However, If you've yet to hear Lunasa, I think its best to start with Merry Sisters or Otherworld. Of all of Irish Trad, Lunsasa is consistently the very best in my opinion. Some cuts falter here and there, but I have never encountered a more skillful and talented band. That said, I do have three minor complaints for Knitty: 1) I can't say I love "Wounded Hussar." Pipe solo's are fun, but it's too much for a whole song. 2) Knitty, as a whole, lacks some of the creative meanders and flair of the earlier albums. This is surprising, as it is a live record. 3) Lastly, and this is pretty small, I wished they had mastered the tracks a bit better. The stereo separation isn't nearly as artistic as the other albums. This can be attributed to the live nature, however. So, all in all, another gifted release. If you don't have Knitty, but have the other CD's, buy this one. If you don't have any Lunsasa, start on another one (but you really can't go wrong).

Another classy offering.......2004-05-26

Having compared this new release from Lunasa to their debut self-titled album and their "Otherworld", I find the group continuing to deliver high quality traditional Irish folk music with zest, panache and a touch of eccentricity in the arrangements. My personal preference is still for the first album, airy and fresh, featuring the amazing Mike McGoldrick on flute and John McSherry on uilleann pipes. On this new album, their fifth, the auto-pilot appears to be creeping in, but it hardly detracts from the wondrous tighter than tight playing, the vigorously buoyant rhythms and the light and tuneful melodies that propel the album forward with gusto.

Kevin Crawford took over from Mike McGoldrick a long time ago and his very fine musicianship is again on display here. Uilleann pipes are played by Cillian Vallely, a deft and deeply sensitive player if there ever was one, as evidenced by his solo "The Wounded Hussar". Fiddler Sean Smyth is as sprightly as ever and solid support as always comes from guitarist Donagh Hennessy (x-Sharon Shannon Band) who provides the underlying drive and bassist Trevor Hutchinson (x-Sharon Shannon Band, x-Waterboys) who adds an exquisite finishing touch.

This recording was made in Kinnitty Castle in County Offaly, Ireland live in front of a small audience, a quiet one at that. All applause has been removed, but the performances are as you would hear them on stage, although the live feel of a concert can never be fully realised in a recording. And they are fantastic on stage!

The excitement though is certainly tangible and the virtuosity a joy to behold, witness for example Kevin's classy whistling on "Island Paddy" against an unusually funky guitar backdrop. The dance medleys are sometimes unusually mixed - "The Stolen Purse" for example jumps abruptly from jig to reel in midstream, while "Sean in the Fog" changes from air to jig. Tempos also vary enough from track to track so there's good variety in the pacing and intensity. The tunes are mostly traditional, the rest being either original or from the pens of Charlie Lennon, Kevin Burke and J.M. Rankin among others.

Overall, perhaps not a stand-out album in a high-class discography, but certainly another immaculate and hugely enjoyable one.

It's live, but you'd never know it.......2004-04-13

I don't want anyone to be discouraged by my 4/5 star rating. Under normal circumstances, this would be a five-star review with the fullest enthusiasm. Lunasa has one of the most unique and impressive sounds in Celtic music, and this album is just a continuation of that great tradition. I am continually amazed by their music, as everyone should be.

The reason "The Kinnitty Sessions" gets only four stars from me is simply that I was so excited by the claim on the back cover that the album was "recorded before an audience of invited guests inside the supposedly haunted walls of Ireland's Kinnitty Castle" and displays the "the storming intensity of a concert environment," only to discover no audience noise whatsoever. I mean, I was waiting for 40 minutes to hear even some polite applause, yet got nothing. The sound also seems a bit to perfect to be recorded in anything but a nicely prepared accoustic environment, much less a castle. Not that I'm accusing Lunasa of false advertising, but if you're going to claim a concert setting, let it SOUND like a concert, imperfections and all.

Tracks:

Craigieburn Wood
Frieze Britches/Donnybrook Fair
Mna Na Heireann
The Crooked Road To Lisdoonvarna
Stor Mo Chroi
Farewell To Erin/Another Reel
Elanor Plunkett
Planxty Wilder
Though I Live Not Where I Love
St. Patrick's Day/Over The Moor To Maggie
Dog Leap Stairs
Kingdom Come
The Parting Glass

Amazon.com

William Coulter is an acoustic guitar player who has explored Celtic music for years, as on the exquisite Celtic Requiem CD with singer Mary McLaughlin. Coulter brings a chamber music sound to Celtic music on his latest foray. Taking traditional songs from Ireland, Scotland, and England, Coulter weaves them into original arrangements that include his frequent collaborators from the Santa Cruz and San Francisco area. Among them are cellist Barry Phillips and his wife, wind player Shelley Phillips; pianist Paul Machlis from Skyedance; and Northumbrian piper and concertina player Alastair Anderson.

Together these musicians weave a delicate embrace around familiar tunes like "Women of Ireland" and the devastatingly forlorn "Stor mo Chroi," as well as some lesser known but achingly beautiful songs such as "The Crooked Road to Lisdoonvarna," on which he adds the Turkish kaval to this Irish tune. The road may be crooked, but William Coulter makes it worth the trip. --John Diliberto

Album Description

Following up on the success of his previous recordings, Celtic Crossing and Celtic Sessions, William Coulter once again draws from the rich repertoire of airs and dances from Scotland and Ireland for this latest recording. Along with traditional works, Coulter has also selected a number of contemporary compositions for this recording, including a wonderful duet with concertina master Alistair Anderson on Anderson's "Dog Leap Stairs."

Coulter is joined on two tracks by virtuoso classical guitarist Benjamin Verdery. Together they perform the Sean Ó Riada classic, "Women of Ireland" and the beautiful Turlogh Ó Carolan air, "Elanor Plunkett." The result is a lyrical, emotional and enchanting listening experience.

Customer Reviews:

Coulter does it again.......2001-04-18

I have this little image in my head of how I would like to wind down after a tough day at work. The image goes like this-- I come home and plop down in a great big overstuffed sofa with a cup of hot tea, a good magazine, and I play a CD of soothing, wonderful music. Rarely (oh, heck-- never) do I actually get to live out this little dream. Life is just too hectic. However, if I were to snatch enough time to indulge myself, this CD would be the one I'd put on. It is simply beautiful Irish music played on guitar (with many assorted accompanying instruments). Coulter is a wonderful artist with a real feel for the soul of Irish music. So go home, find a comfy chair, sip your tea, and put on "The Crooked Road." You won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

The Ring Sessions
James Kelly and Zan McLeod
Manufacturer: Phaeton Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000058S6
Release Date: 1996-01-16

Tracks:

The Luck Penny, Old Man Dillon, The Knights Of St. Patrick
Molly's Graduation, Dougie MacDonald's, The Congress
Tomgraney Castle, Gan Ainm
Julia Delaney, Christmas Eve
Planxty Fanny Power
The Wise Maid, Ciaran's, Touching Cloth, Sitting On The Throne
Sailing Into Walpole's Marsh, The Game Of Love, The Teetotaller
The Ballydesmond, The Knocknaboul
Mad Jig Set: Dublin Strathspey, Eve's Jig, Lady From Oceanside, The Christchurch
Gaffney's Favourite Son, The Humours Of Rahey
Lament For Terence MacDonough
Cranking Out, The Silver Spear

Average customer rating:

Scottish rock
One of my favorite CDs
Very good band!!!!!!!!!!
You need to hear these guys...
My favorite CD

The Pictou Sessions - An Acoustic Album
Seven Nations
Manufacturer: Moriath Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

Rock | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Factory
And Now It's Come to This
Seven Nations
Live at The Palace Theatre
So Piano

ASIN: B00004W5ZI
Release Date: 2000-07-07

Tracks:

The King of Oblivion
Seeds of Life
Fiddle Set
Scream
The Surprise Ceilidh Band Set
God
O'er the Moor and Among the Heather
All You People
Skyezinha / The Egret
A Rare Auld Time
Pipe Set
Trains

Album Description

Recorded over a five day period in Pictou, Nova Scotia, this disc captures the talents of every member of this band. The live studio feel of the recording makes you feel as if you were there. "God" and "Scream" have been stripped down for the acoustic sound, but have lost none of their original textures. The singalong of "All You People," which was co-written by Aidan McGovern, is a hand-clapping, toe-tapping choral fusion. The beautiful piano solos of "Skyezinha / The Egret" bring all that energy a quiet place to rest just before launching into the pub song "A Rare Auld Time." This seventh independent recording by Seven Nations is dedicated to everyone who has supported the band from the beginning and shows the promise of the fine musicianship that blends together so well as a glimpse of what's to come.

Customer Reviews:

Scottish rock.......2006-08-02

I just loved this cd the very first time I heard it. I had heard a cut from a friend's mix called, God. It made me want to get the whole cd and it is certainly a winner! Every cut is just wonderful and exactly what I was looking for. If you like the scottish theme, bagpipes and rock and violin you won't be disappointed in this selection.

One of my favorite CDs.......2006-07-02

Of all the Seven Nations albums, the Pictou Sessions has got to be the best. (I haven't heard Thanks for Waiting yet). This really shows the bands style in the fiddle-pipe collaborations in the lively jigs, blended well with Kirk McLeod's vocals and piano in some of the mellower tunes. Pick this CD up, and see them live, they are awesome!

Very good band!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-10-22

Everything happened when I listened to them for the first time two months ago, through internet. They are very original. Besides the album "Palace Theatre" has really contributed to a new concept of rock and roll. I hope one day they come to Brazil in order to make a show, I'm sure they will have a lot of fans who will love seeing them singing alive.

You need to hear these guys..........2004-07-15

I saw 7N live for the first time last September at the Irish Fest in Albany, NY. They absolutley blew me away. I was mainly there for the beer, and to catch Hair of the Dog later that night, but I got a tip from a friend who told me to check these guys out. The bagpipes gave me chills, and the energy was unbelievable. This CD is on repeat in my car, but like everyone says, you need to see them live. It's truly an unbelievable experience. I'm flying out to Cleveland this summer to catch them again.

My favorite CD.......2003-06-02

This is my favorite CD. I have it in my car and play it constantly, I've hardly changed it in almost two years. Unceasing 7 Nations, love it to death.

Average customer rating:

If you like either the vocalists or Irish fiddle and squeezebox you're going to like this
Wonderful listening experience and so diverse!!
It doesn't get any better than this!
Great CD!
Yes Wow Buy Now

The Diamond Mountain Sessions
Sharon Shannon & Friends
Manufacturer: Compass Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

Rock | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

The Sharon Shannon Collection 1990-2005
Libertango
Tunes
The Spellbound: The Best of Sharon Shannon
Don't I Know

ASIN: B000059LEV
Release Date: 2001-03-13

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.