Customer Reviews

Just One Wish

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

When Irish music cognoscenti enter the debate entitled The Best Fiddlers In The World, the list is often populated-- and rightfully so-- with the usual suspects: Liz Carroll, Tommy Peoples, Martin Hayes, Eileen Ivers... the list goes on. Conspicuously absent, however, is the name of Winifred Horan. In spite the positively electric work she has displayed as a founding member of Solas, she remains largely in the role as a supporting member of an exceptional collective. Hopefully, her solo debut, "Just One Wish", will finally earn her the props she so richly deserves. Produced by Seamus Egan in their own Taro Studios, Horan's album of all original tunes is full of sweet surprises and rollicking energy. Oh, and by the way--she plays the fiddle with peerless technique and riveting style. By now, most know her story: As a young fiddler and step dancer, Horan momentarily stepped away from Irish music as a student at New England Conservatory, only to reacquire her passion and expertise as a fiddler after a stint as a dancer with Cherish the Ladies (later joining that band as a fiddler). But what sets her apart from most traditional fiddlers, and earns her a spot in the pantheon of the best of the best, is the huge palette of color and texture she draws from her instrument. Horan's sound is rich and full, almost viola-like in deepness and complexity. In some of the album's many elegant waltzes and mazurkas, Horan displays a keen sense of drama and flair, with a misty, almost Parisian accent. At other times, she turns up the heat and brightens her sound in a set of lighting-powered reels, played with boundless energy and flawless technique. To be sure, "Just One Wish" is not your everyday traditional Irish fiddle album; the tunes and arrangements here certainly and radically depart from the familiar session-style sound of the early Solas albums. But Horan is not satisfied with just being a face in the crowd of traditional fiddlers, nor should she be. While Carroll, Peoples, and the rest might continue to top the list, Win Horan most certainly deserves a place near the top. At the very least, she should be recognized for her nearly unparralled technical skill and exemplary musicianship. "Just One Wish" should earn her that consideration. Fair play to ye, Win!

Win is, quite simply, the finest fiddle player that I've ever heard and this disc is a tremendous showcase for her talent. In fact, I find it more consistently satisfying than my favorite Solas discs. I left this CD in my player for almost a month after first hearing it. My little Boston Terrier seems to really love it too! Get this disc. You will not be disappointed!

I have never heard of Winifred Horan. I took a chance and bought the CD after reviewing the songs. This was a winner of a buy. Horan gives the best blend of notes and passion that make this one of my favorite CD's. It's clear and crisp type of sound that few artist have been able to achieve. This is a sleeper CD that I think should sky rocket to the top of the charts. I had several friends over placed her CD in my out changer about mid way. After her album comes on and a couple of songs play, everyone is asking about the CD.

This debut album from Solas's ace fiddler,Winnie Horan, is a joy to listen to. There is a real mix of mood styles from the openeing track 'The Princess and the Frog' to the ultimate offering 'Albatross' (NOT the Fleetwood Mac classic)People will no doubt be used to Winnie's powerful interpretation of Irish jigs, reels and airs. This is a softer, but no less impressive, set of tunes that demonstrates a musical sensitivity and sense of fun. It's great to HEAR a musician really enjoying making music. An essential for every lover of fiddle music and those who would love to be.

I love Solas and I love Winifred Horan, and I finally bought her latest solo album, Just One Wish. The tunes are powerful - I love the first track, 'The Princess and the Frog' as a uniquely slow reel whose rhythms dig deep inside. Another track of reels goes from sounding deeply sinister to beautifully light-hearted - this transition is gorgeous.

I'm not a huge fan of the waltzes that pepper this album, but they have their place. They just make me look forward to the reels and jigs that much more :-)

This is FABULOUS!!!! I had heard her with Solas, but this is so much more!!! Being that my heritage comes with the name Horan, I felt I had to buy it and check it out and am so very pleased I did. She wrote and arranged all these songs, they are snappy or melancholy, all very beautiful. I highly recommend this CD to any traditional fiddler/Celtic listener, its fun and inspiring!

I purchased Winifred Horan's solo debut album 'Just One Wish' after hearing tracks on AccuRadio and listening to the album 'tasters' on Amazon.com. Sure it is not traditional Irish music but her fiddle playing is superb and I am not a big fan of 'pure' Irish music anyway. My favourite tracks on the album are both of the airs: 'Just One Wish' and 'Albatross'.