Customer Reviews

Made in Cape Breton

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first heard the Cottars when they performed at the Lotus World Music Festival in Bloomington, Indiana, last fall. I took my teenage daughter because she plays classical violin, but she loves Celtic music. We knew that the performers are all teenagers, but we were surprised by their talent and skill on multiple instruments. They also step dance! And what a fiddler! Roseanne is amazing. But that's not all. All four of the musicians are excellent and engaging. What a performance! We bought this CD at after the concert and my daughter immediately whisked it away. I only heard it once. Then yesterday, I drove her car on a trip and she had "Made in Cape Breton" in the CD player. I listened to it over and over again. The CD is wonderfully varied, alternating vocal selections and instrumentals. I abolutely love Fiona's voice. I agree with one of the reviewers who's favorite pieces is "The Briar and the Rose," which Fiona sings with Kiernan on harmony. It's hauntingly beautiful. My favorite song on the CD is "I Know Who Is Sick." I love the drumming. Buy this CD, and if you ever have a chance to see the Cottars in concert, don't miss the opportunity to hear them live!

I first heard the Cottars when they were on tour with John McDermott. They stole the show! I've heard them many times since, and they keep getting better! My favorite song is "The Briar and The Rose." With Fiona in the lead and Kiernan adding a bit of harmony, it still brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it. And you just have to see Roseanne, who just turned 13, fiddle, sing and step-dance all at the same time! Wow! Kiernan is really great on piano and pipes (e.g., penny whistle) and guitar. And don't neglect Jimmy, who is a pro in his own right on guitar. This is a group to watch... I think they are going places! This is one of the most delightful CD's in my collection.

I learned about The Cottars through word of mouth and, after hearing some short clips on their website, I decided to buy their album. After listening to it, I am blown away by the talent of these kids. Despite their young ages, they are polished performers.

Fiona's vocals are charming, Roseanne's fiddling is incredible, and the boys' accompaniment is a beautiful background for the songs. I prefer the slower vocal songs as opposed to the more lively reels. "Scarlet Ribbons" with Fiona MacGillivray and John McDermott is probably my favourite piece on the album, although none of the tracks leave any doubt that there is enormous talent here.

I look forward to the opportunity to see The Cottars in person someday. In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy this lovely album.

The Cottars have so much talent. The vocals are crystal clear and the harmonies are close. The instrumentals are lively. It's just an all around great album. Can't wait for more.

At the time they recorded this the Cottars were aged fourteen, thirteen, twelve and eleven respectively.

That's the gimmick, but it doesn't really matter to the results one way or the other.

The singing and playing are just so good!

All but two of the tracks are traditional and some of the singing is in Gaelic.

Lead singer Fiona MacGillivray has a perfect angelic voice, precise, clear, transparent, without a hint of children's choir or bel canto or blues pop.

The group can handle anything. The CD has slow sean nós vocals on two tracks, jigs and reels, fast and boistrous, sentimental ballads, all performed perfectly and easily.

The Cottars performed at my school last monday and I was blown away by there talent! The main vocalist Fiona sings a beautiful varity of songs. all the other band members are amazingly talented.Especiall the Fiddler who can tap dance and fiddle at the same time. I definaltly recomend bying this CD, dont by it from the McDermonts web site though, its over priced.

A really beautiful CD.The song 'The Briar and the Rose' is especially great. Almost makes you hold your breath while the brother and sister perform this song.

i must say it was pretty awsome stuff. i went to one of there concerts by defalut because my grandparents went on vacation and we goit the tickets. there talented kids and have won ecma for best new artist last year. if ur in to the celtic stuff ur gunna luv them.

If it had not been for my visit to Cape Breton Island in March I would never have heard of these extremely gifted children
The Briar and the Rose being my favourite was on the radio at the time... I just had to purchase their CD.. Awesome gifted
and haunting

Simple, sweet talent. Fine fiddling, angelic voices, great guitar, and some fine tinkling of the ivories - these kids are yet another example of the extreme musical talent to come out of Cape Breton Island. After hearing Ballinderry played on CBC radio, I had to have a copy of this CD. I was not dissapointed. From the wistful The Briar and the Rose to toe tapping reels and jigs, this CD has it all, although I think Ballinderry is still my favourite.
The liner notes are fun and educational and give a sense of the personal side of these musicians. My only complaint is that the liner notes could have listed who was playing/singing on each cut. That part remains a mystery.