‘CD Reviews’ Archives
Review: “Buy My Soul” by The Blarney Rebel Band
Artist: The Blarney Rebel Band Album: Buy My Soul There's nothing quite like a sincere Celtic band from New York. The Blarney Rebel Band is the perfect example of what happens when everything just goes together right. Both lively and delightful, this CD is a great one to add to any Celtic music lover's collection. You'll hear all the good [...]
Review: “A New Beginning” by Darragh McGann
Artist: Darragh McGann Album: A New Beginning Darragh McGann, who’s made a name for himself as The Singing Taxi Driver, offers a collection of crossover classics on his first solo album, A New Beginning. The album occupies a point on the Celtic music spectrum near that of, say, Celtic Woman (minus Máiréad Nesbitt’s frenetic fiddle work) or [...]
Review: “Heartwood” by Sora
Artist: Sora Album: Heartwood Sora refers to herself as both neoclassical and Contemporary Celtic, but neither of these quite capture the depth of her music. Some may even put her in the "new age" category. A mezzo-soprano, this woman's vocals are pretty, pretty, pretty, and they capture a lot of emotion. This CD is filled with original songs, [...]
Review: “The Angel’s Share” by Atlantic Wave
Artist: Atlantic Wave Album: The Angel's Share A great mixture of Irish, Scottish and Cape Breton music, "The Angel's Share" is a super listen. There are 15 tracks here that sparkle, and plenty of fiddle for those who just can't get enough of the instrument. The Wisconsin-based band released this, their second CD, in 2009. The four main players [...]
Review: “Bankers and Gangsters” by Black 47
Artist: Black 47 Album: Bankers and Gangsters "Bankers and Gangsters" is a great CD by the well-known band, Black 47. Their latest offering is a celebration of 20 years on the road, delivering some great Celtic Rock. Black 47 has developed quite a following over the years, and if you haven't yet heard them, this effort provides the perfect [...]
Review: “Storas” by Mary Jane Lamond
Artist: Mary Jane Lamond Album: Storas Well. I have to say that I was drawn to this CD before I even had a listen. The cover itself reflected the good taste and artistry that Ms. Lamond has within. And I was not disappointed when I listened to her music--it is beautiful. Beautiful. Unlike anything I have ever heard before, "Storas" (which is [...]
Review: “Who’s Yer Paddy” by The Brazen Heads
Artist: The Brazen Heads Album: Who's Yer Paddy This Celtic rock band is from Phoenix, AZ and they provide a great selection of music for fans of the genre here on "Who's Yer Paddy". There were some surprises along the way, such as a version of Pachelbel's Canon in D--not something you see every day on a Celtic CD! Still, it was a good [...]
Review: “Rivers, Kings and Curses” by David Nigel Lloyd
Artist: David Nigel Lloyd Album: Rivers, Kings and Curses The pen is mightier than the sword. This sentence from a 19th century play permeates popular culture to the very date of this review. I'll take it a step further to note that the power of song poetry penned by David Nigel Lloyd holds the ear far longer than the eye can admire any [...]
Review: “Strange Sweethearts in America” by James Shipp’s Nós Novo
Artist: James Shipp's Nos Novo Album: Strange Sweethearts in America Think experimental, jazz and Celtic all thrown together and stirred up and you'll have a peek into what "Strange Sweethearts In America" is all about. James Shipp is a vibraphonist, composer and percussionist and he performs here with Nos Novo, a quartet. The name "Nos Novo" [...]
Review: “Celtic Enchantment” by Birch Creek
Artist: Birch Creek Album: Celtic Enchantment Embark on a journey in sound toward the essence of unsung beauty. Led by "The Chanter", an ancient Celtic otherworld is conjured in a rhapsody of melded musicianship deliberate as the "Broken Mist", eloquent as "Star of the County Down" and heart-wrenching as "Marble Halls". In [...]
