Customer Reviews

Celtic Dreams: Music Of Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738) on the Hammered Dulcimer, Vol. III

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If you want beautiful, light and happy instrumental Irish folk music, it doesn't get any better than Joemy Wilson and this disc.

I bought this about 11 years ago (before the "celtic craze") and it still uplifts and cheers me. I explored the work of many other Celtic folk artists; but, her work is still the best. Perhaps its most sparkling quality is that fact that it DOES sound so perfectly classic and timeless - this music is the best you would expect of those catchy old Irish ditties (...not to belittle them! Turlough wrote beautiful songs!)

Out of all my CDs, this is the only one I can listen to that can always 100% cure any dull, melancholy mood in no time.

Oh, and not all of her CDs sound the same!! Pay attention to the different instruments and guest musicians (e.g., Anisa) on each for sound clues. This one has no guitar, but there are flutes and other strings here and there flitting about very supportively of her hammered dulcimer. If you prefer the more grounded sound of guitars and less high-frequency buzzing, you may prefer a disc like Joemy's lovely "Carolan's Cottage" instead.

There are some very energetic and bouncy songs on this CD! But, there are some calm ones, too! For example, "The Ash Grove" - a slow, classic tune that anyone could recognize - is performed with its melody nurtured in a beautifully respectful way. I am impressed how Joemy Wilson's music and her independent Californian Dargason Music label has survived amidst the "biggies" for all these years. JUST BUY IT!

My introduction to O'Carolan - cheerful, beautiful
compositions - I once thought the dulcimer was
uninteresting, but this whole CD is totally addictive,
some soft and mellow, some enchanting and upbeat. I got
Carolan's Cup too and that is also great, but as a
reviewer before me said, different mix of instruments.
Now I've capitulated and ordered Carolan's Cottage.
Joemy Wilson is a wonderful interpreter of O'Carolan.

This is the most beautiful collection of celtic music that I have heard. The combination of flute and hammered dulcimer is wonderful, enchanting, and lightens the heart. I highly recommend it for even the hardest heart.

If you enjoy Celtic music and the sounds of the dulcimer, this is a must-own CD. The melodies are all uplifting and joyful and this CD is a great listen whenever tedium strikes. Don't let the low prices fool you- this is a very enjoyable CD and one you will be glad to play over and over for a very long time.