Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
So fill to me the parting glass, good night and joy be with you all... - The Parting Glass, March 3, 2008
I bought this CD without hearing one song or knowing anything more about it than it came from producer David Downes who has done magnificent things with his Celtic Woman. I figured that if it was half as entertaining as Celtic Woman I would have spent my money wisely; I love it when I am right.
These four men have beautiful voices and they blend together seamlessly and perfectly. From the first song, Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore, I was completely and happily won over. I recognized that song from the show, Riverdance, which I saw this last summer and it immediately had me smiling.
The comparison between The High Kings and Celtic Woman is inevitable. The differences, besides the obvious ones brought on by gender, are huge, but the results are the same, I think; great music. Is one better than the other? No, I think I will enjoy them with same amount of enthusiasm and admiration.
Where the Celtic WomEn's voices are accompanied by more musical instruments and choral groups, The High Kings arrangements, to me, are simpler. The main focal point is always on their voices and the musical accompaniment is kept uncomplicated and occasionally there is no music at all, except their voices.
The CD is an interesting combination of classic traditional Irish songs, and some new classics. Each song lends its own feel and leaves its own impression on this CD and its listener, the combination of songs is the perfect introduction to these four men.
My favorites:
The Black Velvet Band - is a traditional Irish tune that has long been a favorite of mine in any incarnation. I have been singing this song for the past two days, I love their version and their voices go fabulously along with mine in the car. ;)
The Rocky Road to Dublin - is a fast paced song that makes it absolutely impossible not to tap your feet or hands along with the beat.
The Wild Rover - This is a live version, The High Kings singing, a fiddler doing his best and the entire audience clapping along. My son and I listen to this over and over in the car clapping and singing along; he categorizes this as "cool Leprechaun music."
I really do love this CD and know it will be playing in the background while my family eats the St. Patrick's Day feast I prepare this year. While all the songs are wonderful and inspire a different mood in me, I admit it's the songs with a lot of fiddle and energy that speak to my inner fairy and makes her dance and smile. Enjoy!
And for Finnbar, Martin, Brian and Darren: Ceapaim go bhfuilim i ngrá! ;)
A New Journey
Celtic Woman
Riverdance: Music From The Show
Cherise Everhard, March 2008
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
High Praise for High Kings, March 11, 2008
I'm a little bit cautious when I buy music, but when I saw that David Downes' name was on this group, I didn't hesitate. I think by now a lot of people associate David's work with Celtic Woman. He seems to have a knack for putting talented people together and creating incredible melodies that, after having heard the song only once, will be singing in your head throughout the day. While these songs have been around for quite a while, they are renewed afresh because of the men who sing them and the arrangements that were customized for these men's vocal talents.
Those who enjoy the harmonies of Celtic Woman have no excuse for not liking or appreciating the music of The High Kings. Classic ballads are tastefully made modern, and other folk melodies are kept folk with a touch of funk.
In an album that has been touched by David Downes, it is difficult to eliminate any song from a "Favorite" list. But, in my opinion, some of the catchiest tunes are from "Rocky Road to Dublin", "Wild Rover", and "Jimmy Murphy" (good luck with the chorus- those who have heard the album know exactly what I'm talking about). And the breath-taking beauty of Celtic history is found in the melodious harmonies in "Black Velvet Band" and "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore".
In short, this is an album suitable for children of all ages, for people of all races. This is not music that is targeted for one specific group of people. These songs will make you laugh; they will make you cry. There is something in this album that, again, in my opinion, can appeal to anyone, no matter what background or history. The wonderful combination of the harmonies, and personalities of the men emanating through the music, is what makes this album appealing for all people of all walks of life.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome and amazing a must buy, you won't be dissappointed , March 8, 2008
Having had grandparents born in Ireland I have been a fan of Irish music my entire life. The talent that has been brought together for this production is truely unsurpassed. The musicians and vocals are seamed together perfectly to delight the most discriminating listener. I witnessed this being performed on PBS. The DVD version is also available and will give you a visual experience that you will not soon forget.
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