Customer Reviews

Light from a Distant Shore

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been a fan of Hollie's for a few years now and agree with the other reviewers (except about adding Jazz tunes...).

However, the Asheville, NC, fan is wrong about the meaning of "Skye Boat Song" (Charlie was born in Rome and grew up in France; and IIRC barely or rarely stepped foot in Scotland before the '45)... it is about the Bonnie Prince escaping after his defeat in the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion battle at Culloden Moor (April 1746). The reference in the lyrics: "Flora will keep/Watch by your weary head" is Flora MacDonald, who helped Prince Charlie escape (disguised as a woman).

Hollie's voice outshines any number of the "popular" female singers today and this is definitely a cd worth having in your collection; you can't go wrong. And if you like Hollie, you must check out her step-father Steve McDonald.

I bought this CD because I am a fan of Steve MacDonald's and already have all of his albums. This girl has a wonderful, clear voice, she is REALLY a singer, unlike some current pop princesses. The songs are a mix of traditional tunes and those of Steve McDonald. Beautiful and haunting. As a fan of Loreena McKennitt's, I can recommend this album to all of her other fans out there. All I want to know is when is Hollie going to release a second album?

On my quest for more female singers, I stumbled upon the mp3 of "Gone" on Amazon. I thought it was good enough to at least give the CD I try, and I'm very glad I did.

Hollie Smith's has a sensual, deep smooth voice. When you pair her beautiful voice with Steven McDonald's lyrics, keyboard and percussion, this CD elevates itself above others in the genre. I actually find myself more drawn to the songs where both Hollie Smith and Steven McDonald sing ("Fields of Athenry" and "Fallen Flowers"), perhaps because of the ballad aspect of the two, but also because together, these singers make an absolutely winning combination. Regardless, if you've listened to "Gone" and still aren't sure, I suggest you buy it anyway. While "Gone" is a great song, it's not the best song on the album by far, in my opinion, and the lyrics aren't as good as others on the album. Songs like "Rowan Tree" (one about how a rowan tree reminds the narrator of her childhood), "Skye Boat Song" (a traditional ballad about Prince Charlie, smuggled out of Scotland to France), and "Amazing Grace" along with the two ballads named above stand out the most to me.

I've heard news that Hollie Smith is now in the process of making another album, and I'll be sure to snatch that one up as soon as it's available.

I love this cd. Hollie Smith's voice is lush and vibrant, and the compositions soothing and soulful. But I don't get it. Hollie composed none of the songs, wrote none of the lyrics, nor played a single instrument at any point on the album. All songs were composed by the highland champion himself, Steve McDonald, most of the music is performed by him, and he even sings the lead vocals on a few of the tracks! My question is: how did Hollie Smith get her name on this album??? If you like Steve McDonald (and you should), get this one, because it's really a Steve McDonald album! Not only is he an exceptional artist, but clearly he is a very generous soul as well.

This is the first music that I have heard from Hollie Smith,It is outstanding!! She has a wonderful voice and has a wonderful tempo to go with it.
I also like bagpipes which is some of the background on one of her songs,She really gets your attention.I only hope that she has another cd coming out soon.
Only suggestion I could give her is on the next cd continue on with the same type of songs as on this cd but include some of the classic jazz numbers also.(Sinatra,Page,Doris Day, Joni James) etc.

I love this CD. I picked it up just by chance and from the first track it had me hooked. What I love is there are several new songs with a celtic flair, but also many traditional Scottish ballads done in a new way. Smith's voice is strong and beautiful. Every song on this CD is good. I put on this CD and I feel I am back in Scotland.

I love this disc. The voice is distinctive and light but soulful. I can listen to this album for hours. Its pleasant yet upbeat. Soulfull and romantic at the same time. It's a shame that not many people know of her. I found this disc by chance but now that i have it I can't get over how good it is. I hope to hear more from Hollie Smith.

Heared Amazing Grace off this album on New Years. Got the album today and it isn't very often that all the songs on a album are of this quality. And it isn't very often that I get goose bumps, listening to a sixteen year old with such a amazing voice. I'm sure that I will be enjoying this one for awile and waiting to see her next album.

Hollie Smith's vocal presence on this album is emotionally stirring. As a fan of Celtic music and culture, I find the vocals and arrangements to be dynamic and at times viceral. It is hard to believe that such a young woman can be so talented and accomplished. I would highly recommend "Light from a Distant Shore." I look forward to more...

I had never heard of Holly Smith. By accident I sampled her CD at a Nature Store(of all places?). I immediately fell in love with her voice and music. Celtic with a modern beat and theme. Since Holly is not famous yet, I have not been able to find out much about her-other works and the like. I highly recommend this CD or Tape! It is one that you can listen to over and over without ever getting tired of it.