All Things Considered

Danu | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 22, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Shanachie
• ASIN: B00005UF20
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,732 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #68 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > Europe

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Danú are a resolutely acoustic yet freewheeling Irish traditional ensemble. Their arrangements are often crowned by treble fiddle lines typical of early Chieftains, but their rhythmic attack, while precisely marked, is less literal and is periodically side-swiped by playful bursts of syncopation. Lead singer Ciaran O' Gealbhain is a revelation. His vocals, whether in Irish or English, are haunted by ancient sean-nós, but also recall the Incredible String Band and the naive sophistication of Brady and Irvine's nonpareil "purple album." O' Gealbhain appears as soloist and in unison on the wistful, bouzouki-laced "Easy and Free." His approach to the giddy "Uncle Rat" is deft and childlike, but he is romance incarnate on "The Wee Lass on the Brae" and breathes serene, poetic stillness into "Idir Aird Mhor Is Eochaill." Producer Joe McKenna flawlessly captures the sonic ambiance of every tune, down to the final afterglow of living drone. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Danu--All Things, June 3, 2002

By 

"cntoms" (Robins AFB, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: All Things Considered (Audio CD)

I own nearly 40 Irish CDs including some Irish imports that you can't get so easily here. What impresses me with Danu is the wonderful sense of "flow" with each rhythmic pulse that puts you at ease. Check out track 8 if you like fabulous unison playing. This album was my first choice, but to be sure, that nice flow can be found in all their work.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice Irish trad..., March 11, 2002

By 

DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: All Things Considered (Audio CD)

Solidly traditional material, tailormade for those who long for the glory days of Planxty or the Clancy Brothers. Indeed, the great Liam Clancy seems to have been an early patron of the group, and this album was recorded at his studio in Waterford. Singer Ciaran O Gealbhain certainly has the goods -- despite his youth, he has that lovely, old-man throatiness that makes Andy Irvine and the Clancys so lovely to listen to. The band also has a light, melodic touch. Great record with a nice mix of songs and tuneful instrumentals... If these young fellows represent the future of Irish trad, then I'm quite happy for the future!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner!!, January 23, 2002

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: All Things Considered (Audio CD)

This album is wonderful! Usually when I listen to Irish music, it either happens that I like the sets but am not crazy about the songs/singer or vice versa. With Danu I love both. They do research for their tunes/songs, rather than rely on the same old standards. Ciaran O'Gealbhain obviously has quite an affection for the songs he sings, it comes through in the performance. Also, there is a real album feel to their last two Shanachie albums. Rather than merely a collection of songs/tunes, there is a real feel that each track belongs with the others. All of the guys are excellent musicians and are a total credit to the tradition!!!! I urge all of you unfamiliar with their live performances to go to the Kennedy Center Website and watch the Millenium Stage performance they did January 23rd. Then go see them live.