Customer Reviews

American Wake

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Once again The Elders deliver. American Wake is an awesome collection of original great songs. It starts off right with Moore St. Girls. Just try to sit still listening to this song. It's nearly impossible. Turnpike shows how really talented these guys are. Men of Erin is such a moving song that you will want it played at your own funeral. It is truly touching. These guys love what they do and that comes across in their music. If you ever get the chance to see them live, don't miss them. They are the most energenic band you'll ever see. They have a great time on stage and really want the audience to have a great time as well. I would suggest also checking out their other CDs. The first is self titled, the second is Pass It On Down and they also have a live one.

For those of you who do not know, The Elders are an Irish "rock" band out of Kansas City. I live in Omaha, NE and have been lucky enough to catch them live a few times at the wonderful Dubliner Pub. This is The Elders' third CD, following the self-titled debut and Pass It On Down. While all 3 CDs are gems, it is evident that their musical style and direction is getting better with each album. A great CD to hold me over between live shows!

I first saw this band in Chicago IL at the Celtic Fest in Sept 2003 & after their rousing almost 2 hour set I made my way to the merchandise tent & bought every CD they had available--the best thing I ever did! At that time there were only 3 CDs & a DVD available. Now there are 4 CDs & another DVD will be released in the spring & another CD in the summer. I travel to see this band, but I'm fortunate that they make frequent stops in the Chicago area. Their music is a mixture of traditional Irish tunes/sounds with a very modern flavor. The songs are mostly original written by members of the band, with a few traditional tunes thrown in for fun. The musicianship is marvelous. The funny thing is only the lead singer/percussionist, Ian Byrne, is originally from County Wicklow, Ireland & the rest of the band is from Kansas City, MO. I can't recommend their music enough & if you ever get the opportunity to see them live DO IT!!!

I've become somewhat of a groupie for this mostly homegrown band. As others here have said- they are great fun live - which compelled me to buy this and pass it on down after seeing them last year. Now I make sure I attend the local Irish Festivals (there are two) on the night the Elders will play.
Again - good mix of Irish balad, traditional blended with rock. You'll want to get up on your feet, sing along, and try out a few irish steps.

Their song, "Men of Erin" is one of their most requested. After you hear it, you will know why.................it is so moving....

Celtic, folk, rock, bluegrass, jazz and classical: as you listen you can visualize The Elders' gentleman fiddler, Brent Hoad, in concert. Without a word, skillfully, as he has done a thousand times before, he will draw your attention and respectfully fiddle a charismatic tale that will capture your heart with little resistance. Like a bold leprechaun, the dip of his skillful bow pierces your chest without a mark and on the upswing, he draws back his bow, watching you, to see if you recognize that he has drawn out your heart. Shamelessly, he technically flings your heart, perched on his bow, across his shoulder, like a basketball shot dunked through the hoops, and adds yet another to his collection he keeps in his little pot under his Celtic rainbow. Be careful, once harpooned, you will succumb like a thousand others to his showmanship. You will swear, you will plead, to fill your need, to hear more of The Elders Music. Brent's violin is technically showcased in The Elders Music, esp. in their rendition of Turnpike, their signature instrumental, but he also sings vocals and plays the guitar, keyboards, and Mandolin, and others he keeps under his cap.

Ian Byrne (Irish born lead singer and percussionist), Steve Phillips (guitar and vocals), Norm Dahlor (bass and vocals), Joe Miquelon (keyboards) complete the instrumentals with Tommy Sutherland supplying solid, rock hard percussive, hot drums. As a group, their a'capella harmony and blending of 6 fine voices in Men from Erin, is reminiscent of one of those famous All Male Welsh choirs. Add those bagpipes and one feels they are rooming the mist filled Scottish hills following a royalty's majestic funeral. Send a prayer to heaven! Here is everything you would want at your wake: High octane vocals, percussion, drums, flute, bass, banjo, fiddle/violin, mandolins, dobro, keyboards, guitar, b-blender, accordion, cornet trumpet, Scottish highland pipes, bodhran, tin whistles.

See The Elders in concert, be hooked for life, you will spin their disk 1,000 times to hear their addictive melodic sounds again. This Midwest Irish Fest Circuit Headliner Band has taken Heartland Rock with traditional mused to contemporary instrumentalism and gone from millionaires at midnight to a solid national tour and growing international circuit. Their experience and attention to a detailed choreographed precision showcase their spectacular talent. Quality, Showmanship and Gentlemanly Professionalism grow their reputation as American's Best Heartland Celtic Folk Rock Band.

Seek out a show at one of their local Kansas City cozy venues or the Terrace lawn at Crown Center or go cross-country for one of their concert tour performances from Notre Dame to New Hampshire, or travel with them as friends to Ireland.

P. S. They sell out on all their CD's and DVD's at their concert, so if you are always late, order them online!

This is an EXCELLENT cd! I play it often and want to hear it again. My kids ask me to play it as well. My family goes to see them LIVE every chance we get. Great CD, great band, great guys! Buy it! Enjoy...

I have three of their four albums and keep them all on hand to give me a little lift in spirit when I need it. They have an appeal to all ages. Pretty good for a bunch of middle aged men!
"Turnpike" is a jig to end all jigs. "Men of Erin"........
Awesome!!! This album has it all, jigs, rock and roll, cajun, party songs. I highly recommend this and all of the Elders albums.

I saw these guys perform last weekend. We happened to catch the last 20 minutes on the Friday night & it was enough to bring us back the next night for the entire show. These guys are what Celtic music is all about. The first 5 songs on this CD are outstanding...not to say that the rest are bad (there isn't a dog in the bunch). Buy this CD....No kidding....if you are a fan of the genre, you can't let this group slip by your radar. The lead singer was celebrating his new American Citizenship the night we saw him. Welcome Ian to American Citizenship!