Customer Reviews

Patrick Street

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

 

 

I feel that this first Patrick Street album is as good as anything that they have done and is a good starting point for getting into thier music. The first Amazon reviewer liked the CD alot but gave it 3 stars. I give it 5. I own 6 P.S. CD's but I think this one gets the most time in my player.

There's a whole big world of worthwhile music out there (outside the USA), and it's all available with the simple click of a mouse (OK, a credit card would be helpful). If Irish music has one indelible characteristic, it's fun. The sound of Patrick Street is filled with fiddle, accordion, bouzouki, mandolin and fun. Drop by the pub, buy a pint, and dance lightly to `Walter Sammon's Grandmother,' `French Canadian Set La Cardeuse,' and `Martin Rochford's Reel.' These up-tempo numbers are elaborate acoustic works. Several are `suites' with jazz-like improvisations of a central theme. The most fascinating compositions here are neither the jigs nor the reels but the slower ballads. `The Holly Ground' is a spellbinding tale of patriotism and revolution. Without revealing the plot, the ballad is written in the fourth person - quite similar to Neil Young's `Powderfinger.' `Dream,' a majestic acoustic instrumental, introduces the homely `Indiana.' Andy Irvine's voice reminds me of Pete Seeker. The lonesome `The Man With The Cap' closes Patrick Street. Like the other ballads, the delivery and theme are unforgettable. The members of Patrick Street are master musicians and astute lyricists. Drawl yourself a pint and enjoy the performance.