ÉILÍS KENNEDY - One Sweet Kiss
Own Label EKCD 002
Éilís Kennedy has one of the loveliest voices to recently emerge in Irish singing. Accompanied by a plethora of talented musicians, Kennedy's second album is ten tracks of wonderfully sung and arranged songs.
Focusing heavily on a traditional repertoire, Kennedy sings in both English and Irish, choosing songs that highlight her pure voice. Beginning with 'Go From My Window', the English songs go on to include the tragic 'Fair Helen of Kirkconnel' and the melancholy 'Farewell to Tarwathie'. But lest you think this album is a depressing collection of ballads, Kennedy spices things up with some Bob Dylan in the form of 'Boots of Spanish Leather', and some fantastic Irish-language tracks including 'Aillillin na Gamhna' and the rollicking 'An Paistin Fionn'. The latter has a great beat and Kennedy's voice lightly trips along the jaunty tune. Ending with 'The Parting Song', a gentle song of leaving, the album finishes on a beautiful note.
Although the lyrics are included for the Irish songs, they are only included in English, though none of the English songs include lyrics. Aside from this, the only low point of the album is the inclusion of the frequently recorded 'Súil a Rúin'. There is nothing wrong with Kennedy's interpretation, but at the same time, there is nothing here that hasn't been done before. Her versions of less well-known songs are much more interesting to listen to.
Éilís Kennedy has a very beautiful voice. Her singing is evocative and the album is a wonderfully cohesive collection of songs. Éilís Kennedy's ' One Sweet Kiss' is a fantastic find and is very much recommended.
Jean Price
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Buy this CD online from The Listening Post The Listening Post is the CD mailorder service of The Living Tradition magazine. This album was reviewed in Issue 69 of The Living Tradition magazine. |