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Your prior reviewer was searching for the song Lord of the Dance which I was also doing when I discovered Barley Bree. Not only did I find the song I was looking for, but I found the greatest Irish group of all time. Most of the songs I had never heard, but they are wonderful. I probably play this CD more than any I own. I highly recommend this album for anyone who loves Irish music. It's GREAT!!

Canada's Barley Bree have broken up, but this is a fine overview of their half-dozen recordings. Other than the cheesy, Holiday Inn-style Lord of the Dance (better versions can be found by Tommy Makem & Canada's Irish Rovers), this collection truly shows the boys' entertaining mix of jigs, reels and ballads. Great vocals, fine instrumentation. Now, when will the rest of their catalogue come out on CD??

This is a group that used to play in New York, Boston, Halifax, etc. I was a great fan of their live performances. I owned their albums in vinyl. Thankful that this is finally offered in Audio CD format. Haven't thought of them in a while, but happy to have their music once again.

This album is an absolute favorite of mine. As a child no car trip was complete with out playing various Cassette tapes of Barley Bree. I know the recording so well I start the next tune or song before it comes through the speakers. Absolute must buy for any one who enjoys Irish Music.

I love this CD...but since the Sweeney brothers are my cousin i guess it is probably a little partial...but never the less the CD is great! The songs are classic, and Tom Sweeney still performs in the US, you just need to keep your eye out for him.

I have seen Barley Bree perform live and truly enjoyed them, so collected all of their recordings. The fact that Tom and Jimmy Sweeney are Tommy Makem's nephews also influenced the purchases. In my opinion though, the songs get a bit monotonous to listen to. I have hundreds of Celtic music recordings, and while this is by no means the worst, it is not among my most listened to. There are some good songs on the recording, so if you have no other Barley Bree recordings, you may want to give it a shot. However, if you already have any of their recordings, unless you want more of the same, skip this one.

One of the previous contributors suggested that the Tommy Makem version of "Lord of the Dance" was much better - everyone to their own opinion, though this CD is tremendous! - it is ironic though, as the Sweeney brothers that make up 2/3 of Barley Bree are, infact, Tommy Makems nephews!

I have had the pleasure over the years to have attended several Barley Bree and Makem and Clancey (Tommy & Liam) concerts in Ireland - and have met these great people on many an occassion.

Barley Bree (and Makem & Clancey) have (and continue) to mean everything that is good and wholesome about Irish folk music - sad they are no longer together!

i have searched and searched for the recording of this song i had heard about 4 years ago at Silver Dollar City. ever since, i've enjoyed the dance-troupe, but REALLY desired the version that speaks of Christ as "the Lord of the Dance" (symbolically speaking). now, would LOVE to find the sheet music to it!!!

c

I have no comment on this CD, never having heard it. But for the person looking for sheet music to LORD OF THE DANCE, try the STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN GUITAR COLLECTION or STEPHEN CURTIS CHAPMAN FAVORITES. If that doesn't work, just look for the old Shaker hymn with basically the same tune --it's called SIMPLE GIFTS, and the music is all over the place in American folk/religious collections. The hymn also forms the central theme in Aaron Copland's APPALACHIAN SPRING. P.S. I do like Tommy Makem's version of this song.