Customer Reviews

Cuilidh

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Well, I'm going to add my voice to the chorus.

As I write, there are no musical samples available on Amazon; but I saw the glowing reviews. Then I read that Julie was Eamonn Doorley's fiancée, and I thought, OK, he probably plays on her album: I'll take a chance.

I couldn't be more happy. Her voice is glorious. The other musicians read like a cross-section of all that's best in folk music, but the accompaniments never overwhelm or compete with the vocals, as they sometimes did with (for instance) Sólas. The arrangements, in which I can definitely detect the John McCusker touch, are wonderful, and both the original lyrics and translations are provided. The recording is crystal clear.

Try this for a first approximation. Imagine Kate Rusby singing in Gaelic, with John McCusker and Danú backing her. If you think you would like the result, than this album is for you.

The total time is 43'06".

Ms Fowlis is a great new voice that I hope will find her way to more American homes and on the Celtic music circut here in the US. Her voice is a wonderful representation of the Scottish Gaelic culture that has been missing in the market of late. Any of her CDS should belong in a serious Celtic music collectors library. While recently in Scotland we watched a documentary about her and her band and were impressed with her poise and love of not only the music but the culture of Scotttish Islands. She is truly a welcome ambassador for the Scottish Gaelic Community.

After hearing clips of the tracks from one of the 'Celtic Women' CDs, I felt as though I was listening to ready-made elevator music. In brilliant contrast, Julie Fowlis' new CD, especially the track "Hùg Air A' Bhonaid Mhòir", is a refreshing and a more true reflection of the wild Highlands and Islands of Scotland....kinda like Celtic music in the raw.

A sweet Celtic set, with gorgeous songs from the Hebrides Islands in Western Scotland... Fowlis has a fine voice, perhaps not as earthy as some Hebridean traditionalists, but direct and full of feeling, sounding particularly lovely when singing in Gaelic. She works through a variety of styles -- fiddle tunes, a capella ballads, bouncy, bouzouki-ed folk -- backed by an all-star cast of modern Celtic music's young guard, luminaries such as John McCusker (of Battlefield Band and Kate Rusby fame), John Doyle (of Solas), Chris Thile (of the American newgrass band, Nickel Creek) and stray members of Altan, Capercaillie and Danu. It all gels together quite nicely -- fans of traditional music will definitely want to check this out! (DJ Joe Sixpack)

I first heard Julie Fowlis watching the Hogmanay broadcast for BBC Scotland in 2005. I was transfixed in front of the tv. I felt as if I'd finally discovered something I'd been looking for for years and simply hadn't realized. Her voice is exquisite. I love the sound of the instruments. Both of her two CDs are wonderful, but I believe I prefer Cuilidh. Some tracks that really stand out for me are Mo Ghruagach Dhonn, 'Ille Dhuinn, 's Toigh Leam Thu, Mo Dhòmhnallan Fhèin, Turas San Lochmor, Oran Nan Raiders, and Aoidh, Na Dèan Cadal Idir. Yeah, that's most of the CD, but in my defense it was too difficult to pick fewer tracks. This CD is wonderful, just wonderful.

Having already been a lover of Celtic music in general. Julie's vocals shines a bright light on the Gaelic language, and folk music culture. Understanding the lyrics is totaly irrelevant. She has a power in her voice that does not come from volume, but from clean, pure tonal quality.
Don't let the over done Celtic Women thing get to you. This is diffrent, this is really good!

This is a wonderful album. Julie's voice is amazing and the music she has brought to us in this collection is really special. Wow.

My wife and I bought this for a recent road trip and were very happy with our decision. You will not be disappointed

The artist's voice is clear and crisp and the musical arrangements are both fluid and fresh.

Anyone that likes Celtic music is in for a real treat listening to Julie Fowlis and her very talented band! My CD arrived just in time before their US tour next month. Enjoy!