Customer Reviews

If Ever I Reurn

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's so neat to see so many artists these days catering to people with adult musical tastes who want a full-bodied, high quality musical experience with each album. Connie Dover is certainly one of those contributing to the cause.

She is sometimes compared to Loreena McKennitt because they both compose music with a classical/Celtic feel. But there are some distinct differences. Connie's voice is more textured and earthy, though equally well trained. I would even go so far as to say she has a "better" voice, but there's so much personal taste involved in that judgment that maybe I should avoid the blanket statement. Loreena's voice is more ethereal, while Connie's voice is more lush. Connie's instrumentation is just a tad more conventional and understated, but only a tad.

Some of the songs on this album are like "Celtic aires", with a heavenly sound. Others are soft, rich ballads with a hint of Irish flare. And some are more upbeat and jig-like.

This is definitely one of Connie's best. And for people who have gotten addicted to this creative, classically styled, high quality genre, she is definitely an artist to introduce yourself to.

I still haven't found a Celtic artist I like as much as Connie Dover. Her voice is beautiful, and she never has weak moments. Her diction is perfect, as is her intonation. The instrumental accompaniment always enhances the mood of the song- from piano to fiddle to uillean pipes. Her songs are a nice variety of the older and newer, some with lyrics or melodies she has written herself. The harmonies are beautiful, particularly in La Fontaine. I can't say which of her albums is my favorite, but it might be this one. I listen to all of them frequently.

The third of Connie Dover's solo CDs features a higher proportion of traditional Irish songs than in her previous two works, and she sings a song in French for the first time - but apart from that, 'If Ever I Return' delivers the usual delectable mix of ancient Scottish and American folk songs, and Connie's own modern compositions written in a traditional style, and executed with real feeling by this most gifted of artists. Eleven more lovely tracks to enjoy!

Favourites on this CD include 'LA FONTAINE', which is a beautiful song with French lyrics, and a gorgeous melody composed by Connie Dover herself. Then there is 'MISS LILLIAN WILLIAMS', an instrumental piece, written by Connie in honour of her grandmother. ('An Air for Mary Tipton' on the 'Somebody' album, was also inspired by one of Connie's relatives - lucky relatives indeed to have someone like this to immortalise them with such beautiful music!) The CD also includes as it's eleventh track, 'HOW CAN I LIVE AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN?' - a very pleasant Irish song with a final flourish of bagpipes to close the album. The best and most touching lyrics on this CD may well be those of the great conservation song 'WHO WILL COMFORT ME?', but I think the prettiest melody of all is that to which 'NED OF THE HILL' is sung.

On first hearing this CD, I felt it wasn't the best of Connie Dover's records. I felt that perhaps the musical accompaniment was a little less subtle than on 'Somebody' or 'The Wishing Well', and that the song selection was a little less attractive than on 'The Border Of Heaven'. But that's certainly no great criticism; it's still a superb collection of songs by any standards, and it's a CD which has grown on me the more I've listened. Superb songs apart, I would say it was Connie Dover's voice that first attracted me to all of her records - her diction is so clear that every word she sings can be understood (a rarity today). But the more I listen to her, the more I come to appreciate that she is also as talented a composer of music as anyone I know of, and that, I think, should be highlighted. Just listen to the lyrics to 'Who Will Comfort Me' and the melodies of 'Miss Lillian Williams' and 'La Fontaine', and I think you will agree. Connie Dover works in a genre which unfortunately receives scant attention from the mass broadcasting media; were her own compositions ever given the chance to come to wider public attention - then I cannot believe anything other than that her fame would dramatically and deservedly soar.

I had the luxury of first hearing Connie Dover in Concert at the Southern Illinois Celtic Festival. Even though the CD's do not do justice to how beautiful her voice is, you will be amazed that it could get any better than that!! Though I enjoyed all the songs, I will remark on a few: Fear an Batas- A beautiful gaelic sung song that has a strong drum beat Peggy and The Soldier- Ned Of The Hill- This song is definately not english. I think it is french, but not sure. It is a sad tale.

The Holland Handkerchief- A wonderful, errie lover tale...though if I explained more I would give away <g> Who will comfort me?- A beautiful song she wrote. Sad and beautiful, it tells the tale of how she sees "progress"'s damage done on nature and the wildlife. How can I live at the top of the mountain- I saw her perform this one at the festival...acapella! It starts out acapella on the cd and for the exception of held notes it still remains acapella. The "book" part that comes with it has the words for the songs! I really enjoy when a cd comes with those!! I HIGHLY recommend this cd to anyone who enjoys celtic and sung tales! I look forward to seeing her again at the next celtic festival!!:)

This is by far one of the best cd's I have ever purchased. Sometimes you listen to the samples of songs and think you will like it and are disapointed. I thought I would like this and loved it! Connie's voice is so clear and concise, and it flows over the lyrics. I have owned this disc a little over a week and have listened to it about a dozen times.

The songs on this disc range from some old irish folk tunes, to some softer ballads and a few upbeat diddies. Most are in english, and the few that aren't have translations in the booklet.

Connie's own "Who Will Comfort Me?" is one of the most moving on the disc. She sings of the disappearing prairie and her personal sadness at what progress has wrought. And for those of you who like sad songs, "The Holland Hankerchief" may make you cry.

In closing, I simply cannot recomend this album enough! I think I'll buy all her other releases too......

For the first time listening to an album with other Celtic voices Connie Dover appears to be the voice with so deep emotional impressions I've ever felt. These numbers weren't day-flies, no, every other sound-clip to be heard from her homepage seems to exceed the other. It's an absolute must to hear and praise Connie Dover!

Here is a wonderful voice, full of purity and presence, singing 11 traditional Irish, Scottish and American songs on 60 minutes of music. This means the songs are longer than the usual 3-minutes-and-out you find on the radio. But frankly I didn't even notice, they are as long as they need to be (except the sweet traditional country tune "Shady Grove", which could be longer).

Connie Dover has a full, clear, rich voice that lets the song shine through even as she lets her voice shape it as it passes. You could not find a greater contrast to a voice like Eva Cassidy's. With Eva, I am sometimes overwhelmed at the stunning power and personality she weaves into her songs, indeed, many have commented that she makes a song her own. Connie Dover makes a song everyone's.

Her voice alone merits 5 stars. But the high quality of the (sometimes melancholy) material and the solid instrumentation are not just bonuses. This is effortless music with lots of musical effort beind it. The song selection is basically from Irish, Scottish and American folk music, with instruments appropriate to the genre. You'll hear some Gaelic and French in the vocals. And always with that pure clear voice.

If you're looking for something away from the rushing waters of American pop music, give her a try. There is a great deal of talent to be found off the main road, here in the backroads of folk music, at its best. "I took the road less traveled by and that has made all the difference." (Robert Frost) Take this road, and see where it takes you.

Connie Dover has among the most pure voices of any singer of this generation. And If Ever I Return is one of the finest folk music albums of the past decade. Connie has found a unique space in folk presenting both Celtic and traditional American music. The music is superbly produced by Phil Cunningham and
played by a host of outstanding musicians. Connie seems to have a gift for finding great songs, or setting old words to new music.

The album is a must own just to hear Connie sing. I have heard Connie live and she is the real deal. She has a once in a lifetime voice that enthralls you and draws you into the song. All four of her albums are wonderful, but this is my personal favorite. do yourself a favor and buy this CD - and get one for a friend and enter the beautiful musical world of Connie Dover.

Rarely have I been so enthralled by a voice as I am with Connie Dover's. This is the voice of an angel ... an angel who expresses in song the timeless emotions of mortals whose deeds became the stuff of legend. How does any music lover pay homage to an artist who opens a door he didn't know was there? Four words: "Exquisite. Buy this CD!"

IF EVER I RETURN has become a virtual addiction with me (just ask my wife who introduced me to Connie's music). I've been told that Connie Dover and Phil Cunningham work so well together because they're both perfectionists. This release must be an example, because everything fits. And the more I listen, the more I appreciate the arrangement of each selection, the delicate instrumentation, the mixing and overdubbing, and above all the beauty of Connie's expressive voice.

My favorites? "How can I live at the top of the mountain?" "Ned of the Hill" and "Who will comfort me?" (Be sure to read the line notes; they will add to your listening pleasure, I guarantee it!)

Most of us take for granted the quality of today's digital recordings and high fidelity sound. But the clarity, purity and "rich texture" of a Connie Dover CD remind me of the magic I experienced in 1983, when I heard a CD for the first time. So, treat yourself to this one ... or those special folks on your Christmas List.

...but haven't gotten into the album yet- in part due to not listening to it enough. I was hoping for a more atmospheric sound as on "Cantus" or "Ubi Caritas" so I think it may take me a while to get used to her more traditional stylings on this album. The country number is neat- a different touch. "Fear an Bhata" is a great opener to the album.