Customer Reviews

Pilgrim

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The suite is a moving expression of a Pilgrim's journey, and a powerful evocation of a Celtic spirit. The orchestra, choirs, and pipe bands are all excellent, as are the soloists. This CD is a must for anyone who enjoys the Relief of Derry Symphony, also by Shaun Davey, anyone who enjoys the music of Riverdance, or anyone who enjoys rich classical music.

An American friend and I were driving in Ireland when we bought this album. We listened in our small rental car as we travelled on narrow roads seeing for the first time the relics of ancient Ireland ~ and the music helped to capture our mood. When the piece from St. Patrick's Breastplate, "The Deers Cry", played, we looked at one another, stunned. It struck a chord from our Irish ancestry and we could only respond by playing the piece again and then again. That happened nearly 4 years ago and this music still never fails to call me to a deep reverence for the glory that is Ireland.

When I first heard this album, I was struck by the feeling that I 'had heard this all before'. While Mr. Davey states that he wrote this some 10 to 15 years ago, I cannot but help feel that he has 'been home, indeed'. The 'shield' song, where they pipers and drummers as well as the members of the chorus stamp their feet as if banging shields...the memories are just too deep. Rita Connelly is wonderful, her voice reaching deep into the soul. She is particularly good in 'A'Grain', (appologies to Mr. Davey, if the spelling is wrong...but my ancient Scots Gaelic is not up to par!), where the orchestration and the voices call forth visions of the stormy isles of the Hebrides. Mr Davey calls upon the soul of the Gaelic world, in both words and music...it is a truly wonderful work. I am only sorry that there are ONLY 5 ***** to award this album, for I would put at least 15 there!!!

For anyone who has the slightest bit of Celtic blood, this music and narrative will awaken ancestral memories and cause your sunconscious to declare, "I'm home". And those who have visited enchanted Ireland will want to rush to the phone to order return tickets. The suite is decidedly a "spiritual" journey, but even agnostics can appreciate many of the pieces. The poetry and music are exceptional! Bravo, Shaun Davey!

The pipes, drums and voices are stirring. I want to buy copies to give to friends if only for "Deer Cry" ... a great Irish blessing song. Very moving.
This album is perfect for lovers of traditional Irish Folk / Classical music.

In July 2005 my wife and I and several other tourists from West Virginia attended a Methodist service in Belfast's lovely Grosvenor Hall. As part of the service they played a piece that thrilled us all with its piercing beauty and reverence. When the service ended, I found out the song was "The Deer's Cry" from The Pilgrim CD. We snapped up a copy at the first music store we came to afterward. Since then, we have listened to it dozens of times, made our pals listen to it (all of whom thanked us), and sent the album as a gift to faraway pals as well. Its many beauties--the orchestral pieces, the pipers, Rita Connolly's solos, Mick Lally's narration--evoke a distant, heroic world in which bravery is revealed not through force of arms but force of faith. A joyous and heart-breaking accomplishment for which we feel the deepest gratitude to have discovered.

I bought the CD "The Pilgrim" by Shaun Davey because I was looking for one particular song, The Deer's Cry, which was on that CD. I love the song and I am very glad to have it now. The rest of the CD is OK. There is some very nice Celtic music but also quite a bit of spoken material that I find less appealing.

As the title of my review states: ordering was simple; delivery time was excellent! I received via regular USPS mail the CD I ordered so quickly that I didn't even have time to anticipate its arrival. I've always had this kind of service from Amazon, and I know that I'll experience this fast and efficient service in my future orders.

I ordered 2 CDs and received them in a flimsy envelope. One of the cases was broken and actually looks like the Cd is damaged inside as I could tell by looking. I tried to find out how to return the ruined CD but the company never responded to my request for more information.
I am very dissatisfied with this company, and would like my money back somehow.