Customer Reviews

Out the Gap

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

 

 

This album was wonderful! Sharon Shannon has an energy that is rare to see in muscicians today. Being fortunate enough to see her play live in Ireland last summer, I was immediately "hooked." It is evident from her music that she has a lot of fun when she performs. Being an amazing accordian player, her music is upbeat and a joy to listen to. You will not be dissapointed!

If the current Celtic music fashion has only one lasting effect, I hope it's to renew the reputation of the accordion, an instrument much maligned for its association with snoozer music from a less hip generation. Sharon Shannon serves up a steaming hot dish of not-your-daddy's-accordion music, and if it doesn't make you want to get up and dance, we might as well lay you six by six in the ground right now.

I got this cd after seeing Sharon Shannon live. She and her band are terrific musicians, and this album shows them off wonderfully. Many of the tunes are upbeat ones that are lively and fun. I always have to play the cd through at least twice because I'm never ready for it to end.

This was a good CD, we picked it up in a little shop in Killarney Ireland where she was due to play the day after we left. We also bought her new album called "Diamond Mountain Sessions" which is the best new album I've bought in years! I'm not sure if it's available in the states yet, but it is well worth the wait. Appearances from Steve Earl, Jackson Browne, etc...

Sprightly, cheerful, yet ultimately lightweight and unchallenging Celtic-fusion instrumentals, basically trad-based, but with flourishes of reggae, pop and classical styles woven into the sound. Shannon is a superior musician, with dazzling technique on both button and bow, but this is music that was made to sit in the background, and doesn't really move me. No onerous synths or outlandishly "pop" arrangements, and a welcome softening of the standard severity of the trad style, but still a bit cotton-candy-ish and bland.

I had never heard of Sharon Shannon until a friend of mine insisted I listen to Out The Gap. I ran out and bought my own copy the next day. This is a stunning album. Every track is great. It gets richer every time I play it, and I've played it maybe 500 times. I'm sure most people have never heard of Sharon. I don't know whether to tell the world or keep her our little secret. When your tastes grow up and you get tired of the sludge that passes for "music" these days, come home to Sharon Shannon. You'll be glad you did.