Customer Reviews

Irish Traditional Music

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is a rare example of traditional music from County Donegal. All the best fiddle players in a very high quality live recording. I own over 150 Irish music CDs and this one is right at the top of the list.

I enjoyed the solo pieces on this album more than the group playing. In my view, this is more of a representation of what you might hear in a good pub session anywhere in the northern counties, or in Dublin, than it is a monumental recording of quality Irish music. And if the former is what you are after then it's OK. However if you are looking for a more serious exposé of the music of Donegal, find something else, perhaps a John Doherty solo recording.

If you want to hear Irish fiddle by itself or in combination with other fiddles, or wish to practice along with a strong recorded fiddle lead, this is a remarkable CD. When you are playing a strong and only lead in a tune, it takes exceptional skill to not make the little errors that get missed playing in musical groups or jam sessions. This CD demonstrates this uncommon precision.

I have spent many hours and drank more than a few gallons of the good stuff to lubricate my playing practicing guitar, bouzouki and bodhran to these tracks. This CD was recorded in 1991 at the "Fiddlesticks Festival" organized by the Traditional Music Society of University College Cork, and includes well known fiddle players within Ireland, such as the legendary Tommy Peoples. There is also the lovely Mairead ni Mhaonaigh and Ciaran Tourish of Altan contributing several tracks. The well knowned Glackin family of Dublin is represented by brothers Seamus and Kevin. I would especially recommend the first track duet, "The Boys of Malin, The Gravel Walks" reels for amazing double lead and counterpoint playing. The last track is very spirited, the typical everyone on stage at the end of a concert, "The Wise Maid, McCloud's Reel, The Boys of Malin."

If you love the old tunes in the old way with "naked fiddle" or the small groups that would play in pubs and at family gatherings, you will love this CD.

If you want to understand what Donegal-style fiddle music sounds like, or just enjoy expert playing, this is the CD for you! It contains a great mix of both solo and group live performances -- both of which I loved. I only wish I had been at the festival! The more traditional ("pub-style") selections are great, but I found the group selections to add a depth to the songs I had not previously heard. I highly recommend this CD!

This music is an enthralling taste of Irish fiddle music. Extremely entertaining. This review is coming from an avid Irish fiddle player

I bought this as a gift for my son, but I highly recommend the "Fiddlesticks" to anyone, no matter which CD it is. We really enjoy their music.

The best fiddle music CD out there. Very real, with live performances and no new-agey extras.

What I heard I liked. Very much a reminder of Johnny Doherty style of fiddle playing-fast, rhythmic, unlike the Sligo style that tends towards the lyrical. Donegal is an important county for music that has produced such groups as Altan, Clannad, and of course, John Doherty, the fiddle player.I mostly heard jigs and reels, but the album has slow airs, mazurkas and highlands, reflecting its connection to Scotland. A must for any serious collector of Irish music.

A good variety of Irish fiddle music that has the spirit to start your toes tapping. Great music to accompany jogging on a treadmill or any aerobic exercise.