Customer Reviews

The Merry Sisters of Fate

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nobody is better than Lunasa at playing traditional Irish tunes in modern arrangements. Donogh Hennessy (guitar) and Trevor Hutchinson (bass) are the keys to the sound, propelling everything along without losing a traditional feel. They are what sets the band apart, not the gimmicky non-traditional instruments that make brief appearances here. Seeing the basic five-piece band live is a pure pleasure.

Unfortunately, this album doesn't capture the live sound quite as well as the previous two. A little bit of the fire and sonic richness are missing. The great arrangements remain, though, and Donogh's waltz "Inion Ni Scannlain" (aka "The Hennessy Waltz") is a great new tune.

If you like this sort of music, this is a must-have album. (But get their album Otherworld first -- it's even better.)

If you are unsure about celtic music this will change your mind.
You will not miss the vocals, with this band you do not need them. The band is fantastic and the cd is just a total pleasure to listen to.Grab a tea or coffee, sink back into the sofa and just let it play. It will move you!

Lunasa has an amazing sound that far exceeds that of any other celtic instrumental group I have ever heard. They bring a fresh perspective to the genre that retains its old dance music roots but adds a dimension that makes for excellent listening. Perhaps it is their energy and intensity that makes them singular; perhaps it is their passion and the beauty they imbue their music with. It certainly has something to do with their sometimes nontraditional bass lines that drive the music and the harmonic structure that gives it depth; the music is always intriguing and engaging! It is a combination of these things that makes Lunasa the best. You must listen to this group if you are a fan of Leahy, Altan, Natalie McMaster, and other groups that produce fine instrumental music rooted in celtic tradition - Lunasa blows the rest away.

The first time I heard Lunasa was around St. Patrick's Day; my dad bought tickets to see them. Almost instantly, I was caught up in the rich harmonies coming from the stage. The music can fill you with such feeling. It sends messages: about sadness, happiness, or just having fun! Songs such as Inion Ni Scannlain is beautiful; it lifts you up. And Morning Nightcap is quite a toe-tapper! These musicians truly know how to play good music.

This is a stunning albumn and would be a wonderful addition for anyone who collects Celtic music. Lunasa is an instrumental group with highly talented musicians. The sets are beautiful and unusually well crafted. There is plenty of variety to keep your interest throughout the albumn.

Guitarist Donogh Hennessy is all over and under this album playing tight and in step with bassist Trevor Hutchinson. He tastefully is using effects and loops to create incredible rhythmic energy here. Hennessy is no longer with the group and although a great player, Paul Meehan, is in the group now, it is not the same. It's like when John Doyle left Solas and was replaced by a string of great guitar players. Solas was never the same. I say this because listeners might think that the back up players are not as important as the melody players in Irish music. While this may be more than true in an Irish session, I think the opposite is true in a performing super group. Hennessy puts this excellent collection of tunes way over the top.

There is nothing that is not five star on this recording and it lacks nothing.

I'm delighted to get this like new copy, with liner notes, of a band that plays in the great traditional style that I love to hear in session. I always prefer to get the physical CD rather than an mp3 download because 1)It will last longer, and 2)It comes with liner notes to give me some background and reference for the music and the musicians. I'm very happy with the seller because it's in better shape than advertised, and arrived relatively quickly, all for a great price.

If you love those irish lilts with horns, pipes and fiddle, you will love these fellows! The music is very moving - whether happy or melancholy! I heard them in person on Saint patty's Day and it was a real treat! I highly recommend them!

this is one of my favorite cds of all time. I am a huge fan of cultural music, mostly Celtic. Every cd collection needs a copy of the cd. Erin go brach!

This is by far my favorite Irish instrumental band. In the world of traditional Irish music there are great players, great sessions, but few players mix together as well as Lunasa.