Customer Reviews

Celtic Christmas

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OK, so my title is misleading since this disc came out in 2003, but I have put this disc in the player more than any other Christmas CD so far this year.
Katie McMahon's soprano voice is beautiful - not irritating like so many other sopranos - and has a happy feel to it. The instrumentation is excellent, very light and fits her vocals perfectly. And best of all, it's done in a traditional style!
Highlights on this disc include The Boar's Head Carol (which goes through several rhythm changes in its course), My Dancing Day (first time I have ever heard vocals to this carol), Good King Wenceslaus (known but not over-played), and In The Bleak Midwinter (simply beautiful!). She also sings Silent Night partially in German.
As you can see there is quite a mix of carols on this disc - a few well-known, but many (if not most) not quite as familiar, and it's these not so popular tunes that I bought this CD for.
With the sizable Christmas music collection I have obtained over the years, it's always exciting to find a CD that not only am I unfamiliar with, but one that I like so much I listen to it over and over. Katie McMahon's Celtic Christmas is that disc for me for this year.

If ,like myself,you sometimes feel that if you hear "White Christmas" or "The Christmas Song" one more time during the holiday season,your head will explode,you need this CD. Beautiful music sung in a lovely,pure,unmannered voice,enlivened by the occasional jig,might be just what the doctor ordered to restore your Christmas spirit.If you've ever heard "Riverdance" or "Anuna",you know Ms.McMahon;if not,here's a pleasant introduction.Believe me,you'll want to listen to this CD long after the latest assault on Mr. Berlin or Mr. Torme by some Disney moppet has landed in the junk heap.

First brought to the public's attention as a vocal soloist for Riverdance, the former Anuna singer (now touring with Secret Garden) uses her perfect soprano voice to great effect and celebrates the holidays in style. "Celtic Christmas" can't help but put you into a festive, yet contemplative, frame of mind.

The 15-track CD is a joyous occasion all by itself. And Irish singing sensation Katie McMahon provides a varied playlist for the party, with songs that range from sacred to secular, somber to sprightly.

The recording benefits from the work of several fine musicians, including Katie on harp. The green-on-green liner notes are excellent, providing the lyrics as well as brief notes from Katie explaining the history of the music or some personal significance to her. All in all, this is a package Christmas enthusiasts will love to find under their trees.