Customer Reviews

Cathie Ryan

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

 

 

I have listened to the "The Soul of Christmas", "Cathie Ryan", and "The Music of What Happens". I have enjoyed them all. "Cathie Ryan" is Cathie's first album on her own since Cherish the Ladies. Each song on this album has an interesting celtic origins which Cathie has related at her performances. I consider Cathie to be one of the top performers in Irish Music performing today. This album is a testament to that. I have met Cathie and seen her in performances and she puts everything into bringing the right atmosphere to a performance getting herself and the audience really into the music. She has actually lived through much of her music which makes it special. My favorites from the album are Ned on the Hill and White Dress. I am looking forward to another album by Cathie Ryan.

Cathie Ryan's debut solo album is not only a "must-have" for Celtic and Irish music lovers, but for anyone who would appreciate her tender vocals and haunting scores. Particularly impressive is "The 12th of July". The album carefully weaves traditional songs with her own contemporary ballads, producing a mix of titles that is sure to reach a wide audience.

I purchased this CD because I've been listening to one of Cathie Ryan's songs, Carrick-A-Rede, for years, and it's one of my favorite songs. Upbeat, unique, and fun. That said, I was somewhat disappointed with this CD. Her voice is beautiful, and I like the style and arrangement of instruments. The music overall is soothing and calm. Her music reminds me somewhat of Maura O'Connell, a bit of Susan McKeown.

However, I found the CD boring overall. None of the songs stood out. The tunes weren't anything I haven't heard before, they were very similar to each other, and I didn't notice any particularly interesting lyrics. Ned of the Hill is a beautiful re-do, but I already had that song from Heart of the Celts: Songs of Love. Frankly, I recommend sampling the songs on Amazon or iTunes, because the 30-second clips will tell you all about the songs.

Rather than this one, I recommend this other CD of hers, which I purchased at the same time, The Music of What Happens.

Cathie Ryan's debut Album is a triumph. Known to many fans from her days with "Cherish the Ladies", Ryan proves that she is one of the most exciting talents in the Celtic World today. I have listened to this album many times, and never tire of it. Her voice is clear and wonderful to hear. Pick up a copy as soon as you can, and enjoy! I look forward to her next album.

I LOVED Cathie Ryan on "The Soul of Christmas", but was sorely disappointed with this CD. It sounds very Country, instead of Celtic/Irish, in my opinion. I don't know if I'll purchase any more of her CDs.