Midsummer's Night

Dervish

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 11, 2001)
• Original Release Date: September 11, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Compass Records
• ASIN: B00005NVJR
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #145,604 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Dervish, perhaps more than any other traditional Irish band, have the knack of bringing the passion and spontaneity of a pub session to their recordings. On Midsummer's Night, the seven members of the band play their way through six sets of dance tunes with an easygoing charm that makes even the quick tempos of the liveliest jigs seem effortless. The instrumental talents of the members may rank with the best Ireland has to offer, but the real heart of the band is the voice of Cathy Jordan. When she sings a tragic ballad such as "The Banks of Sweet Viledee," she brings the bitterness and sorrow to life, and when she gets flirtatious, as she does on "Sean Bhain," she is irresistible. When Dervish first appeared on the scene in the early 1990s, they were tagged as the next Bothy Band. With Midsummer's Night, they have truly gone beyond comparison with other bands, and have become so influential that, from now on, up-and-coming groups are likely to be described as the next Dervish. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Arguably the best Irish album ever, July 12, 2002

By	Tal (Berkeley, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Ever since Dervish hit the scene they have paved new roads, expanding the limits of what Irish/Celtic music can encompass. Their rhythm section, made up of 3 players playing anything from Mandolins to Guitars in any given combination, is easily one of the strongest rhythm sections ever assembled. This serves as the harmonious canvas upon which the fiddle, wind, and accordion soar to roaring hights. These 6 players alone have the sheer talent to conquer. But with the delicate and completely honest voice of Cathy Jordan added to the mix, what we witness is a group of musicians whose power is unstoppable.

This album is intense, humane, and honest. Even the fast jigs have an air of love and honesty about them. What distinguishes this album from other outings is the fact that it manages to mix extremely raw energy with incredibly structured compositions. The compositions here match and at times even outdo anything the chieftains could manage. This is the new appex of Irish music, period.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't wish for a better album, March 24, 2002

By	Trevor (New York) - See all my reviews

With this CD, Dervish, in my mind, became the top traditional Irish group today.

It starts off with the title track, "Midsummer's Night," which serves as an introduction to the band. They begin by all playing a reel, and then each member takes a solo or plays a duet, before ending up all together at the end. High energy, fiery Sligo playing.

One of the highlights is the song "Erin Gra Mo Chroi." Cathy Jordan's voice conveys the indescribable sadness of one who's left Ireland and knows he will never return. Tragic.

They follow that up with a set of jigs-into-reels, called "Lark on the Strand." The jigs are slow, and start out delicately played upon the string instruments. The other instruments come in slowly and it gradually builds to an incredibly powerful sound, before leaping into a reel. Listening to this after the previous song can make you simply melt.

The final song on the album is "Red Haired Mary." A light-hearted song to the tune of a grand polka, it's one of my very favorites. You'll listen to this one over and over again.

One truly couldn't wish for a more perfect album. Not a single track you'll want to skip on this one, and when it's over you'll immediately go back and listen to it all over again.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars freaking awesome, August 12, 2004

By	peacemonger - See all my reviews

The combination of the stringy sound of the bouzouki/mandola and Cathy Jordan's singing make Dervish my absolute favourite trad band. Album is solid all through. Stellar bouzouki and mandola interplay. Of course, great flute, fiddle, guitar, and accordion playing. Cathy Jordan is indisputably my favorite singer in traditional Irish music, although her voice sounds a bit better on their earlier records. Some great faster songs (Red-Haired Mary, An T-Ull, There Was a Maid). Banks of Sweet Vildee is so beautiful. Just buy it.