Customer Reviews

Diamond Mountain Sessions

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

 

 

The best part of every song is when Sharon's nimble fingers take over the tune. The instrumentals are the best part for me and the fiddling Woodchopper's "Fire in the Bellies" make me stop what I'm doing everytime (washing dishes, playing with the dog, etc.) and listen in wonder. Steve Earle's "Galway Girl" is a hit. But there are other singing friends here that change the mood away from what Sharon does best. For example, Jackson Browne--and I've owned his vinyl for decades--sounds okay, but the part of his song where Sharon plays is the part of the song I'm humming later in the day. In other words, when you can play accordion like this and have a band like the Woodchoppers, who needs singing friends? Luckily, there are some GREAT tunes here many tunes feature Shannon at her best , but I still think Sharon's "Spellbound" cd is far more consistently wonderful. (December 2001 update:) If you can find The Diamond Mountain Sessions Limited Edition, which includes a second CD, a live concert recorded in Galway about a year ago and featuring JUST Sharon Shannon and the Woodchoppers (including the fabulous Kane sisters and Sharon's sister, Mary), then buy it. The 2 cd set easily rates 6 stars, because the live cd setlist features one wonderful tune after another. Not a weak link, nor a tune you'll want to skip, on the entire cd. There is a "Live In Galway" cd now available at Amazon.uk, and the songlist is identical to the live recording available on the Diamond Mountain Sessions Limited edition. What are you waiting for? Finally, to see Sharon Shannon, Donal Lunny, and the amazing Coolfin band and guests play "Galway Girl", "Mouth of the Tobique", "Costa De Galicia" and more, you MUST buy the video "The Kennedy Center Presents--The Irish Gala". You'll be glad you did!!!!

I was very disappointed with this recording. I am a big accordion fan but barring a few tracks, could barely hear her playing at all.

And you might just find that you like both together quite well. Sharon Shannon has assembled an all-star cast of musicians and singers for this CD and all of it bears repeating. What the Chieftains do in "Further Along The Old Plank Road" Sharon continues with her own flair.

My favorite of this collection is Steve Earle singing "Galway Girls." His 'peat smoke' voice really lends itself to the Irish ballads.

Mark Knopfler, John Prine, Jackson Browne and many other big-name vocalists join Shannon for these sessions. Among them is Dessie O'Halloran, who I thought from the name was a woman. What a wonderful surprise.

The best thing about this CD is it takes a lot of people I love to listen to and combines them with fabulous musicianship and the sum of the whole is far greater than its parts. This is an excellent collaboration and I will be looking for "Libertango" next.

This CD is an excellent representation of the kind of artist Sharon Shannon has become. As she has evolved as an accordionist she has added so much to her repertoire beyond the traditional Celtic music. At first I found this evolution a bit disconcerting but as a loyal fan I decided to trust the directon Shannon took, which is collaborating with artists of many different styles. She has continued this evolution with her most recent CD (Libertango) which is also quite good.

The CD is worth owning if only for the wonderful piece sung by Dessie O'Halloran, "Say You Love Me", a most endearing love song. I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. O'Halloran in person with the Sharon Shannon band, a memorable performance to say the least.

There are many enjoyable tracks on this CD, including some traditional works, and the collaborations with other artists are great.

I bought this on a recommendation and I loved it from the first play. Steve Earle, John Prine, Jackson Browne and Irish music. The version of Banks of the Old Ponchartrain is so wonderful. Take a gamble, go with this one.

This is an excellent CD with contributions from many fine musicians and vocalists. I especially enjoy the Steve Earle song
and the variety of sounds included on the recording. This CD is "good fun" and my copy has been played many times. If you like upbeat and entertaining music with a Celtic flair you should check this out.

This is Irish instrumental music on steroids. Wonderful Squeeze Box and fiddles, interesting bass lines and sparkling dexterity on the whistles.

Sharon Shannon seems to know just where to push traditional music and how much to push it. The result is always exciting and yet respectful. She is also great to see in concert, so go if you get the chance.