Customer Reviews

Hill of Thieves

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HILL OF THIEVES is an amazing album from Meteor Award winning singer Cara Dillon, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves music with a Celtic influence or just great singing. Though I have purchased this U.S. edition, I was fortunate to acquire the UK release during the 2008 fall tour, and I've been playing it over and over since then. Cara Dillon is one of the greatest singers that I've ever heard. The recent years have been great ones for fans of Cara Dillon with extensive touring (that included the U.S.) and the release in 2008 of the REDCASTLE SESSIONS DVD (which I HIGHLY recommend, by the way Redcastle Sessions - a Region 0, PAL DVD, which plays perfectly fine on my U.S. DVD player). On September 15, 2009, HILL OF THIEVES was released in the U.S.

HILL OF THIEVES is a brilliant album right from the opening title track, an original song by Cara Dillon and husband Sam Lakeman with a memorable riff on low whistle. The opening title track somehow manages to fit perfectly with the other songs, all of which are traditional. The magic of this album comes of course from Cara's gorgeous singing, but also from the outstanding supporting musicians and, very importantly, the superb way in which these songs are arranged by Sam Lakeman. Lakeman has a genius for taking a traditional tune and, in his own words, "inventing the harmonic structure around it". These time-honored traditional songs become 'immediate' and 'contemporary' while preserving their timelessness. The very catchy "Spencer the Rover" is a noteworthy example of this, where the harmonies between Dillon and brother-in-law Seth Lakeman are incredible. Her beautiful singing to Sam Lakeman's excellent piano accompaniment in the haunting "She Moved Through The Fair" and the resplendent "The Verdant Braes of Skreen" will give goosebumps and sometimes misty eyes. Cara's many songs about emigration and parting on prior albums have stirred emotions, and on this album "The Parting Glass" - a song that was often sung during an "American wake" - is heartbreakingly performed. "False, False" is another favorite; I just cannot imagine a song being sung more perfectly in both technique and emotion. Cara and company also give us great craic in the upbeat "Johnny, Lovely Johnny"; "Jimmy Mó Mhíle Stór"; and "P Stands for Paddy." These joyous songs give the album an emotional breadth.

HILL OF THIEVES was received very well in the UK both in terms of sales and critical acclaim. I'm curious to see how it will be received by the listeners in America, where roots music is enjoying a tremendous resurgence. I do think HILL OF THIEVES is going to be a classic. It's a beautiful album.

This is a review of the CD version of 'Hill of Thieves'.

I don't have Cara Dillon's previous album 'After the Morning', so I can't speak from personal experience; however, the album received a lukewarm reception in some quarters - seemingly, the main criticism was that, with some songs, CD was drifting towards formulaic, easy listening folk-pop. Be that as it may, I have her first two solo albums and, based upon these, I'd say that her music is certainly folk music, but it is not 'hard core' folk music - it retains enough of a 'pop' sensibility to extend its appeal to a fairly wide audience. Anyone who was disappointed with 'After the Morning', should find that 'Hill of Thieves' sees CD returning to her Gaelic roots with this set of 'trad arrs' plus one original. I use the word 'Gaelic' rather than 'Celtic' because, with the exception of one English folk song, the music is of Irish or Scottish origin.

CD has a delicate soprano voice with a light Irish brogue, and she uses vibrato to good effect. I don't listen to traditional Gaelic folk music that often, and the combination of an Irish accent and archaic phrasing caused me to miss out on some of the words occasionally. Fortunately, all lyrics are supplied with the liner notes and, after a few listens, I found I no longer had to rely upon these. Accompaniment is by way of a selection of instruments often associated with traditional Irish folk music - uilleann pipes, whistle, flute, fiddle, Irish bouzouki and bodhran; piano, acoustic guitars and acoustic bass are also played. There are some occasional over-dubbed harmony vocals also. Many songs feature short multi-instrumental bridges - the playing is lively and the sound is rich in texture. When accompanying CD's vocals, I did think that the playing was a bit intrusive at times (perhaps mixing back the playing might have helped?) - it's a slight pity because, when left more to her own devices, her vocals are stunning. However, two songs have piano accompaniment only, and the final song 'Fil, Fil A Run O' is sung a cappella in Gaelic.

CD's music occupies a niche which lies somewhere between traditional Gaelic folk music and folk-pop - with this album, she veers more towards the former. Recommended for anyone who likes traditional Gaelic folk music - however, avid fans of the genre could well be asking themselves 'do I really need yet another version of 'She Moves Through the Fair', 'The Parting Glass' or 'The Lass of Glenshee'?' On the other hand, the performances are almost flawless, and they are rather good songs. Also, those who enjoy the music of more mainstream artists such as Enya or Loreena McKennitt might want to consider 'Hill of Thieves', with the proviso that this is an album of acoustic music - there are no synth driven musical backdrops, extravagant string arrangements or electric guitars to be heard.

Standout songs for me were : 'The Hill of Thieves', 'The Parting Glass', 'False, False', 'She Moved Through the Fair', 'The Verdant Braes of Skreen', and 'The Lass of Glenshee'; but, despite some minor reservations about the sound balance, it's all lovely stuff, and I guess everyone will have their own favourites.

"...His Children Came Around Him With Their Verses And Their Stories
Their Verses And Stories - To Drive Cares Away..."

I'll throw in my Dublin/Irish tuppence worth here and say that this is a truly gorgeous album - probably one of the loveliest listens I've had pass by my weary ears in yonks.

I've been aware of Northern Ireland's Cara Dillon (she's from Dungiven in County Derry) for some time now. On her lovely "Cara Dillon" debut album in 2001, she did a cover version of a particular favourite of mine - "Black Is The Colour". It was a piano-led/guitar folk take on the famous ballad and it was brilliant. And that delicate as silk voice too - I thought - now here's a talent.

With "Hill Of Thieves" she realizes all of that potential. She also settles down and goes for the full-on-folk album - and like Kate Rusby - or even Andrea Corr - she knocks you sideways with the beauty of her voice and the clever choices of interpreted Traditional Airs (all bar the opener "Hill Of Thieves" are Traditional Songs arranged and interpreted by both Dillon and SAM LAKEMAN, her keyboardist & husband).

Another fave of mine is "Spencer The Rover", which I first heard covered by JOHN MARTYN on his wonderful "Sunday's Child" album on Island in early 1975 (lyrics above). Cara Dillon does a very different take on it, and for me it's 'the' highlight on here. With his tragic loss still fresh in our minds, I think Iain David McGeachy would give this version a great big Scottish nod - it's gorgeous - it really, really is.

Also worth nothing is that while Sam Lakeman plays on all the tracks and co-arranges all the songs; `SETH' LAKEMAN (his brother) duets with her on "Spencer" - and also plays Tenor Guitar and fiddle on the tune. And that would be my only complaint about the album - it's that when Dillon and `Seth' duet - there's a perfect harmony magic that takes place - and I only wish there was more of it on here. Only on the one track I'm afraid.

Cara also does a serenely peaceful version of the Londonderry Air "She Moved Through The Fair" while "Jimmy Mo Mile Stor" sounds like a great Planxty/Bothy Band reel - with perfectly complimentary Flutes and Uileann Pipes. Made me tingle and think of home.

If you're new to the lady and her gentle magic, then prepare to punish that credit-crunched plastic of yours again in the next few weeks - because you'll want every album she's ever done after buying this...

Lovely stuff.

This disc by Cara Dillon gets better with every listen. Her voice is clear and strong and completely delightful. And she is backed up by a crack band. This really is worth the price. 5 stars ++

I found Cara Dillon almost by chance by following links to related artists on Amazon. I listened to a few samples and bought the album. I have to admit to being very disappointed, but not in the way you might think. I was disappointed that this wonderful music has been around for years and I haven't even known what I was missing. Cara has what may well be the most hauntingly beautiful female voice that I have heard in years, perhaps in my whole life. She and her husband Sam Lakeman excel at taking old Irish folk music and giving it a new modern setting. Some of the earlier albums tend more in the pop direction, but not the tasteless pop that is so common in the United States. Cara sings with first rate musicians (which includes Sam and Cara occasionally on Irish flute) but they are careful not to let the music get in the way of her wonderful voice. That is rare. Soon after I bought Hill of Thieves I sprang for all of her albums (even buying a couple from the UK Amazon because they were unavailable here in the US). I haven't regretted it. She is now at the top of my list of favorite contemporary vocalists. Check them out. But be prepared to have your heart touched. She puts her heart and soul into her music in a way that very, very few musicians do. I hope that she becomes better known in the U.S. A lot of people here are missing something special. There is nothing quite like it in this country. Thank you Cara. And thank you Ireland. No other country could have produced this music.

Although this album was not available for order until January of this year, I was lucky enough to receive a copy last November from a friend who attended one of her concerts, the lucky bloke! Without a doubt it is the finest - and most-played - album I acquired in all of 2008.

I was surprised to discover that the title track, The Hill of Thieves, is actually a contemporary song. With a melody based on the Fred Morrison composition, The Lochaber Badger, it blends seamlessly with such traditional pieces as Jimmy Mo Mhile Stor, Spencer the Rover, and my personal favorite, The Verdant Braes of Skreen. While I do love Cara's previous albums, I sometimes find the mix of traditional and contemporary songs to be a bit distracting. Hill of Thieves, with it's roots planted firmly in tradition, is a solid, cohesive collection with one song blending effortlessly into the next until the album is over and you're left wishing for 11 more tracks.

One stand-out track (though really, they all are!!!) is Spencer the Rover. On this jaunty little piece Cara's crystal-clear soprano is met by Seth Lakeman's flawlessly executed vocals - which neither overpower Cara's delicate voice nor fade blandly into the background - to create a sound that is simply divine. The one fault? That Seth doesn't join Cara on the rest of the album!

While the songs are almost exclusively traditional pieces and traditional, acoustic instruments are used, I'd say that Cara's sweet voice gives this album broad appeal. I think Hill of Thieves would be enjoyed by folk music fans as well as listeners of the adult contemporary genre. You'd need a heart of stone not to be touched by this incredible album that is, by turns, uplifting, haunting, heartbreaking, and so much more.

Cara Dillon must have the prettiest voice in all Ireland, and it shows well in this awesome CD. Every track is great, esp. "Spencer the Rover," and "False, False."

SAW AND HEARD HER VOICE ON THE LOCAL TV PBS CHANNEL AND PURCHASED HER DVD FOR A FRIEND WHO LOVES IRISH MUSIC. HE RECEIVED IT AND CALLED TO REPORT HE LOVED HER VOICE AND THE MUSIC.

She has returned to the celtic music that I loved in the beginning. Keep it up!