Customer Reviews

Idir an Da Sholas

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I bought this album mostly out of curiosity -- I've been a fan of Triona ni Dhomhnaill's ever since her Bothy Band days, but on some recent recordings (e.g., the first Windham Hill Celtic Xmas compilation) I thought she was in rather poor voice. Granted, her tone doesn't have the brilliance now that it did in her twenties, but on this album she more than makes up for it in subtlety and clarity -- her solo "The Banks of Claudy," with her own harpsichord accompaniment, is wonderful. Her sister Maighread is no less splendid in her own solos. Their duos are polished without losing the spontaneity that characterizes the best Celtic music recordings, and the accompanying musicians are supportive without getting in the way of the voices. The tunes are nicely chosen, ranging from the tragic to the nostalgic (I'm especially fond of "Spanish Lady") to the silly -- I could have done without the sound effects in "Tidy Ann" (which always drive my cats crazy), but otherwise this is a lovely performance by a group of mature but still passionate artists.

Triona and Maighread pour life into these beautiful Irish songs, tastfully mixing contemporary with traditional. And what voices! Anyone who likes Clannad's early seventies music, or Altan's songs, or Aoife Ni Fhearraigh's self-titled Cd, should try this music. My only complaint is that Micheal O Domhnaill only accompanies his sisters and does not sing with them. And these three siblings have recorded together before, not only on compilations, but on the gem of an album they recorded some thirty or fourty years age: Skara Brae- a must have for any Irish music collection.

Actually Maighread and Triona HAVE recorded together before. I heard them sing together on several of the Windham Hill "Celtic Christmas" CDs, and what beautiful harmonies! (Check out some of these Celtic Christmas CDs too -- they're not just for Christmastime.) So, when ... sent me notice that this CD was coming out, I ordered it right away. You can truly feel the joy these two have in making music together. If you like Celtic or folk music, you won't be disappointed with this one. And, the Amazon.com price is a bargain!

If you like celtic music Maighread ni Dhomnaill has a beautiful voice, and her sister is also good. I like this cd but the solo album of hers from the early 90's is superb.