Customer Reviews

In All Things

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been a big fan of Leahy since they're self-titled debut album. Their third CD, "In All Things," is yet another set of quality songs with a couple of not as good ones here and there. They do seem to have moved away a little from their Celtic music roots, though, which is a shame. There are a couple of pieces that remind me of the old days ("Little Ditty" being the best at that), but they make me miss the old days all the more.

In my review of "Lakefield," I said that I didn't really care for the singers' voices (and I was roundly questioned about that by other reviewers). I do have to say that I liked them much better this time around, though I do still prefer the instrumentals. The CD is split 60-40 between instrumentals and vocals, which is a pretty good mix. Sadly, while there is a very good vocal song (the very fast-paced "Coyote Way"), the others are fairly unmemorable. One song is mostly instrumental but has the haunting voice that chimes in at various times ("I Want You to Know"). The instrumental part is very good, with a nice soft fiddle that plays a quiet but mildly upbeat rhythm. While I found the lyrics to be pretty innocuous, the quality of the voice was very striking, adding much to the mood of the song.

The aforementioned "Coyote Way" will have you stomping your feet and nodding your head with some fun lyrics and a fiddle that will keep the heart racing. The CD opens with "Chasing Rain," which also has some great fiddle work and other toe-tapping beats. In fact, I have to say Donnell Leahy is probably one of the best fiddlers I've heard, as he is able to either keep the beat going or create some nice introspection, depending on the mood of the song.

I have to give Leahy credit for broadening their horizons. They do a nice mix of genres, some more successfully than others. I still prefer the Celtic ones to the others, though the others do show strength. Still, there isn't a bad song on the CD, just some that are not as good as others. My only other complaint about the CD is that it's too short, but that's a problem with all of their CDs (and too many other CDs in general). Give me at least 55 minutes of music, please, with over an hour being even better.

Lastly, one thing I miss (and it's not really a strike against this CD, but a desire to see/hear more of) is that there is no step-dancing on this CD! The step-dancing tracks were the best one on both "Leahy" and "Lakefield," and I was sorry to see there wasn't one on this one. There is enough other good stuff on "In All Things," however, that it's not a major hole. Just a minor one.

David Roy

Once again, the Canadian supergroup Leahy expands and redefines their "genre". From good old traditional reels and jigs on several of the tracks to the ethereal vocals and musical experimentation (fiddles without bows, anyone?) on "In High Places", this CD is a fantastic followup to their previous release "Lakefield" and it's the next best thing to seeing them live in concert!! You'll have trouble keeping your feet still while listening!! My only suggestion would be to give vocal credits in the CD booklet so we know who is singing lead on which tune. Just an idea!!

This third release from Leahy is their second best. This amazing family is made up of championship fiddlers, dancers and other musicians. One thing they are really not famous for is singing. There is some singing on this album and it is much better quality than on Lakefield.

If you have heard their first album and liked it, you will also like this one. Many traditional tracks are mixed with a few newer pieces. One even has a nice Country Western feel to it. But my favorites are the three medleys if I had to choose.

This is a very strong effort from a very talented group. But if you get the chance to see them in person, take it as they five times better in real life (amazing, I know!).

Leahy is unlike any other Celtic band because of their amazing fiddling. Said fiddling is definately the highlight here. The songs seem less than stellar at first, but they actually grow on you after a while. This album is not to be missed, for the fiddling if anything else.

I noticed several of the reviews were mixed. Their self titled album is by far their best. It is more traditional and tracks 1, 3, and 5, are fantastic. Upon first getting Lakefield I did not like it much, but the more I listened to it the more I liked it. It is better than some of the other reviews give it credit for. If you keep listening the the words in the songs are beautiful and their are several instrumental tracks that are very good. I actually like it better than the third. However I am giving the third one a chance because I will like it even more if I keep listening to it.

I've seen this family in person and each and every one of them is an incredibly talented musician and dancer. They also have some newer age crusty rock thing going on in some of the songs on their CDs and it is a trip. I highly recommend it. And...if you go to their website, they also offer a music camp each year. Check it out!

I ordered 3 Leahy and was pleased with all plus delivery time was prompt

Bright, shining and full of life, these well-crafted songs have both appeal and depth. There's nothing boring or same-old about Leahy's music--it's original and intricately crafted, making each album worth the wait. Standout songs include the intense "Chasing Rain," the fiddle-bending "Little Ditty," the mysterious "High Places," and "Coyote Way," a appealing homage to the innocence and purity of the wilderness. Four of the selections have vocals; the rest are instrumentals. Liner notes are sketchy, but the number of brothers and sisters performing in the group seems to be down to eight now (four of each), and a brightly picked mandolin has found its way into the instrumental orchestrations, to great effect. Try Leahy's other albums: "Lakefield," and their self-titled Narada debut. For more Celtic fusion music that will charge your batteries and leave you breathless, try also the unique work of Kila.

Bright, shining and full of life, these well-crafted songs have both appeal and depth. There's nothing boring or same-old about Leahy's music--it's original and intricately crafted, making each album worth the wait. Standout songs include the intense "Chasing Rain," the fiddle-bending "Little Ditty," the mysterious "High Places," and "Coyote Way," a appealing homage to the innocence and purity of the wilderness. Four of the selections have vocals; the rest are instrumentals. Liner notes are sketchy, but the number of brothers and sisters performing in the group seems to be down to eight now (four of each), and a brightly picked mandolin has found its way into the instrumental orchestrations, to great effect. Try Leahy's other albums: "Lakefield," and their self-titled Narada debut. For more Celtic fusion music that will charge your batteries and leave you breathless, try also the unique work of Kila.

When I was vacationing in New Jersey at the home of a dear friend of mine over the summer of 2004, I was most unpleasent experience had left me hurting.

At night we'd stretch out in her living room and she'd put this CD on. The music had an immedate effect on me. I ended up falling asleep too it. The first song that ever had that effect on me and not have me feel foolish for being lulled to sleep like an infant.

I'd have to say that "High Places" and "Runaway" are both excellent songs. I still find myself humming them both as I go about my day. Truly I miss New Jersey but these songs help to keep the longing for that slice of Heaven at bay.

The instramentals are wonderful. When you close your eyes you actually feel like your wondering through the Anglo-Celtic Isles taking in the scenery.

I really can't recommend this CD more highly if your looking for something soft and soothing without that annoying sugar coated manufactured happiness(TM) that most Pop Artist put out these days.

Unlike the manufactered happiness(TM) this music touches a deeper cord along the lines of nature, spirit and hope. I'd almost go so far as to call it Religious and Transcendental.