Customer Reviews

Exiles Return

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

An excellent paring is Karan Casey and John Doyle.
However - beware - all is not equal!

John takes the vocals on only 3 of the 12 songs (Sally Grier, Madam I'm A Darling, The Shipyard Slips). Karan takes the vocals on 7 and they duet on two. Not to comment negatively on Karan's singing (which is, as always, first rate) but for those John Doyle fans out there, you will probably feel short-changed here.

All told, the 12-song selection is excellent and John's guitar playing remains the best there is.

With the one proviso, as mentioned, this is a recommended album.

While I will agree, that there could have been more vocal representation of the great John Doyle in Exiles Return, I still think that this may be the best traditional Irish album to be released this year! If John is not taking the vocal lead on quite as many tracks, he certainly is letting his elegant guitar work speak for him. Karan Casey is wonderful as always, and the whole album is a true delight!

If you are looking to buy an album of traditional material, sung and played by the best in the business....do not hesitate! Buy this!

Phenomenal! Really great duo. I remember when they performed with the band Solas so this is a really exciting and long awaited CD. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Actually ****1/2 because, like other reviewers, I wanted more singing by John Doyle. There was a time when I was immersed in folk songs, but with the passing decades I had moved on to other musics. This lovely recording of Irish and Irish-American tunes may take me back to the art. Doyle and Casey chose their songs well and the album has an unusual unity. Their pleasing Irish lilt support their first rate performance by voice and guitar. On some tracks they are supportd by Dirk Powell on banjo and bass and by Michael McGoldrick (formerly with Lunasa) on flute and whistle. The sound is close in and bright. If you are a fan of traditional Irish music, this spare, back to basics album will bring delight.

Karan Casey & John Doyle
"Exiles Return"
(Compass, 2010)
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An outstanding collaboration between singer-guitarist John Doyle and vocalist Karan Casey, two of the founding members of the Celtic-trad supergroup Solas, who reunite here for a gloriously rich, stripped-down acoustic set. Casey takes the lead on most of the songs, with Doyle singing lead on three tracks (while harmonizing on several others, and providing typically strong, sympathetic accompaniment throughout...) The repertoire is a fab collection of traditional and traditionally-oriented songs, delivered with the soulfulness and depth of understanding we've come to expect from both these artists. Old-timey scholoar Dirk Powell and flautist Michael McGoldrick add subtle support on a tune or two. Beautiful stuff: you can't go wrong with any of these artists. (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To World Music)

Those who lament that Karan Casey and John Doyle are no longer with Solas will be thrilled to hear this collaboration. Each song is beautifully done with gorgeous vocals and the splendid finger picking of John Doyle.

Two of the best. Exciting and flawless guitar playing. A beautiful female voice. And John can sing, too.

I just started listening to this cd. Karan Casey and John Doyle do a fine job of interpreting some nice traditional celtic songs. Karan is gifted with and amazing voice and uses it well. John is a fine singer as well.