VARIOUS ARTISTS "Gaelic Roots" Kells Music KM9514
In many ways these two collections overlap and re-inforce each other's themes. "Gaelic Roots", extends "her" variety a little closer to the infinite and reminds us that Green Linnet does not have a complete monopoly on Celtic Women. "Her Infinite Variety ..." however takes a broader view of the "roots" as well as some of the directions they have taken.
The music of Ireland
is the main course for both of these albums, performed by Irish and Irish/American
musicians. There are also some fine performers from Scotland, French Canada,
Cape Breton and England. The main difference lies in the nature of the
recordings. "Her Infinite Variety ...", is drawn from various releases
from the Green Linnet label while "Gaelic Roots", is from a series of
performances recorded at the Boston College Gaelic Roots Festivals of
1993 and 1995.
Both albums are packed
with listenable, even breathtaking performances and both feature a range
of instrumentalists, singers and styles. If lists are what you want, tops
among the "Gaelic Roots" are, Seamus Egan, John Williams, Jacky Daly,
Gerry O'Connor, Natalie MacMaster and Buddy MacMaster. Best of the "Celtic
Women" include, Mary Dillon and Deanta, Cherish the Ladies, Triona Ni
Dhomhnaill, Karen Matheson and Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh. Two former all Ireland
fiddle champions turn in great performances on both of these albums, Eileen
Ivers from New York and Chicago Born, Liz Carroll. Peter Fairbairn
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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 29 of The Living Tradition magazine. |