Customer Reviews

Border of Heaven

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4 star:		(1)
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It's hard not to fall in love with Connie Dover, who looks and sings like an angel. She has cited Steeleye Span and its lead singer, Maddy Pryor, as an early influence. That makes sense, because she is perhaps the purest soprano folk singer I have heard since Maddy Pryor. Before I acquired this CD, my only exposure to Ms. Dover was several songs here and there on various Celtic music collections, but on each and every one, her voice always stopped me in my tracks. So when I saw this collection of early American folk tunes (and the songs that inspired them), I thought it was a bit of a departure for her. But these arrangements strikingly emphasize the Scots-Irish influence on American folk music. Even old chestnuts like "Sweet Betsy from Pike" and "Streets of Laredo" can be heard in a new light. Ms. Dover gets expert assistance, too, from familiar names like Phil Cunningham (who also produced), Jerry Douglas and John Hartford. This is an impressive effort from one of the most beautiful voices in traditional music.

I have all of Connie Dover's CDs (some in multiple fomats so I can listen to tapes in the car, CDs at home, etc.) They've gotten me through many a road trip.

Border of Heaven is a wonderful addition to the collection. The music traces the connections between traditional Celtic music and early American folk music. The songs range a bit further afield than her usual, primarily Celtic, offerings, but her voice is as crystalline as always and the music shows wonderful range and creative flair.

I would recommend this CD to anybody interested in beautiful folk music. If you're a Celtic purist you might want to start with her earlier releases, but you really shouldn't miss out on this one.

Connie, if you're reading this, when are you coming to Minnesota?

Connie Dover has too much talent and taste to do a mediocre recording, but even by the high standards of her previous efforts, The Border of Heaven is an impressive achievement. This thematic CD traces the movement of the Anglo-Celtic immigrants from England, Scotland, and Ireland to the American West. Part of the legacy of that great historical odyssey was a body of extraordinary songs adapted from Old Country originals. Nowhere is the link so explicitly underscored as in Dover and cowboy singer Skip Gorman's brilliant medley linking "The Streets of the Laredo" to the ballad in its original form, "The Sailor Cut Down in His Prime." In a recording of such excellence and artistic consistency, it's hard to single out one song or performance as better than any other. She does a particularly masterly reading, however, of "Lord Franklin," concerning Sir John Franklin and his doomed 19th-Century search for the Northwest Passage. Till now, the definitive reading of this lovely, sad ballad has been John Renbourn's, but Dover may have surpassed it. Her rewriting of the Alabama folk song "I Am Going to the West" is another standout. (The finest purely traditional version can be heard on Mike Seeger's Third Annual Farewell Reunion, on Rounder.) She also reminds us that "Sweet Betsy from Pike" is a much more interesting song than we knew when we were singing it in grade school. Perhaps the only not wholly inspired choice here is over-recorded "The Water Is Wide." Even so, with The Border of Heaven, Connie Dover steps into the front ranks of American folk singers.

I've been a fan of all her albums, but this is the first time I would use the word "brilliant". To me, this album was my first glimpse at just HOW much inner beauty this artist possesses. I'd known about her lush, textured voice. I'd known about her polished, sophisticated style. I could have told you she was talented and worth hearing.

But to me, this album is a stretch to a whole new level. The songs Last Night by the River and Wondrous Love are nothing short of powerful. Powerful in that immortal sort of way - songs that are so important that it's worth buying a dozen albums in search of them.

Exquisite!

This beautiful concept recording follows a perfectly-balanced selection of songs, some well known, others obscure, across the ocean from the British Isles to young America. It is a glorious journey. Connie Dover has the perfect voice to convey the timelessness of these songs, from "Streets of Laredo" to obscure plaints from the Civil War, and the tasteful, spare instrumental backing haunts the ear. No words can adequately convey the richness and depth of this music, and Connie Dover is an artist who, once discovered by a fan, inspires enduring loyalty. Just listen to the remarkable job she does on "Sweet Betsy From Pike," staple of those old junior high songbooks: in a deceptively rollicking performance, Ms. Dover actually manages to bring the West alive, then to slip in a very human, elegiac note. It's incredible. From a shopworn, "throwaway" tune she creates a mini-history of the great westward migration and a very human story. Connie Dover has given us a series of fine, lovely albums, but, for me, this is the best yet. Achingly beautiful and vivid. Whether you raise the money selling homemade crafts or draw it from your investment in Cisco systems, buy this album--and share it with friends. Built of Anglo-Celtic parts, this is a true American masterpiece.

I found Connie Dover through a friend as we discussed the magic of Loreena Mckennitt. I think his words were "If you like Loreena, then you will LOVE Connie..." So true. Connie Dover's voice is crystaline and magical, yet haunting. This new album is a courageous step out from her past efforts. At a point where she could easily rest on her recent successes, she chooses instead to expand and improvise in new directions. It's a shame she doesn't tour much... s. carpenter

I bought this CD about a year ago, and I was so enthralled by Connie Dover's beautiful voice and wonderful songs that I've since bought all of her albums. Her other CD's are terrific, but I think this is her best work.

The "Border of Heaven" includes such traditional favorites as "Sweet Betsy from Pike," "The Streets of Laredo," "The Water is Wide," and "Lord Franklin," all sung by Connie Dover in her crystal clear voice. The liner notes explain the origins of some of these works--"Streets of Laredo," for instance, is based on much older songs, at least one of which was called "The Sailor Cut Down in His Prime." The album features both versions, as the old song about a dying sailor transitions into the familiar story of the cowboy shot down on the streets of Laredo.

Some of the songs, like "The Blessing" and "The Wandering Laborer," are Scottish or Irish folk tunes. Others, like the hauntingly beautiful "I Am Going to the West," are original compositions based on traditional folk lyrics or melodies.

I loved the CD because it's sung and arranged beautifully and because it has a variety of musical moods--traditional American, Celtic, and folk. There isn't a song on the album that I don't enjoy, and my wife loves it, too. I'm honestly surprised that Connie Dover isn't more famous than she seems to be, and I can't wait for her next CD.

As I implied, this is an average recording for Connie. Her previous album, The Wishing Well, while not always consistent, at least delivers more shivery moments per song than this one does. In fact, shivery moments are hard to find on Border of Heaven. But there are some standouts, notably an adorable rendition of Sweet Betsy from Pike, the plaintive I Am Going to the West (gorgeous melody), and a slightly different take on the American hymn Wondrous Love.

It's very hard to top Connie's voice. She could sing excerpts from the phone book and I'd listen. That's why songs that really wouldn't grab me if anyone else did them, such as Last Night by the River or My Dearest Dear, manage to sparkle and grow on me over time.

Some pieces have not really grown on me: Brother Green, Lord Franklin, or the rather laconic version of The Water is Wide. That's okay--rather than skipping them as I might on someone else's album, I just let them play in the background while I do something else. A tribute to Connie's talent.

I must admit that I have not heard Connie's first two recordings, If Ever I Return and Somebody. Why? When I picked up The Wishing Well, my first thought was, "Oh boy--I'm going to meter out this singer. No binging here. I won't buy those others until I am at a low point in my life when I need more truly excellent music." I'm not at that point yet, but in a way, I hope it comes soon!

This album includes the type of music we expect from singers of Celtic music plus some old favorites like Sweet Betsy from Pike and the Streets of Laredo. Plus some of my favorite musicians are on it including Phil Cunningham, Jerry Douglas and Skip Gorman. This is lyrical music that you would expect from Enya, Loreena McKennitt and Mary Black.

I have exposed a number of people to Connie Dover, young and old, and have yet to find anyone who doesn't immediately fall in love with her. Let's put it in a nutshell: If you listen to Connie and don't become instantly hooked, by all means have your head examined!
However if I have already conviced you and you want to know which of her titles to purchase, sorry, I can't recommend just one. Stick a crowbar in your wallet and get all 4! It will be the best $60+/- you've ever spent. Now stop reading these reviews and place your order!