Customer Reviews

The Pooka and the Fiddler & Happy as Larry: Two Stories by Colcannon

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

To Whom It May . . .
I have all the Colcannon CDs, go to every concert I can, and greatly admire their impeccable interpretations of Irish music. I was fortunate in being able to go to one of the first performances of "The Pooka and the Fiddler" and "Happy as Larry." Large surprises-- not quite traditional and surely not the usual Irish instruments. Nonetheless, once again I found myself at a Colcannon concert with tears on my face from the sheer beauty of their music and the emotionally moving messages it sends.
On one level, these musical stories are happy, entertaining childrens' tales. On a deeper level, they are profound statements about life and its pitfalls. Mick Bolger is emerging as not just another pretty face, but a very perceptive observer of the human condition and a gifted writer who transmits those observations faultlessly, skillfully, and gracefully.
I have two great neighbors, boys who are six and four, and I have given them "The Pooka and the Fiddler" and "Happy as Larry." How lucky they are to grow up with these wonderful tales!
Alan Czenkusch

Living in Colorado, I have followed Colcannon since their inception many years ago. The line-up of the band has changed remarkably little through the years, and from the very start they had their own unique take on Irish music with a solid, easily identifiable sound. Not limited to just a bunch of rehashed jigs, reels and come-all-ye's, Colcannon has forged the way with a skillful mix of traditional and original compositions, served up with daring but always appropriate and very tasteful arrangements.
I've genuinely enjoyed all their albums and felt they have captured much of the spirit of Colcannon's live performances, so I was a bit skeptical to hear what their new album would be like, mixing spoken word and music. Not that I am one of those Irish music fans who is interested in the music only, not caring a whit for other aspects of the culture. Not that I am a purist lost in the "Celtic Mists of Time." I devour Irish poetry, literature, history, cinema, folklore and music old and new. It is just that I have heard too many overwrought poets and cutesy pandering children's performers in my time. How would Mick and company make it work?
They did make it work, by being themselves. Lots of skill - musical and verbal - combined with passion and lots of energy, has produced their best CD yet. Kids will love it, but I've yet to meet an adult who doesn't also love it. So many albums with spoken word segments soon get forgotten after several listenings. This CD "wears well" and holds up to lots of listening. Great writing and great performing make for their best CD yet.

Colcannon has forged into a new dimension with their latest release, Pooka...and Happy as Larry.

The two delightful folktales, penned by Mick bolger, are captivating children's stories that relay an important adult message as well. The warmth of Bolger's gentle brogue draws the listener into the adventure as his voice moves flawlessly from narrator to Pooka or Sean or Larry and back again.

The musical score draws from both traditional music and melodies composed by individual Colcannon members. The tunes pace the tales beautifully, and the use of interpretive instrumentation is perfect.

This CD is destined to make its way into the "best loved" category, and hopefully to stage or screen.


Jerry Barlow
Celtic Fingerstyle Guitarist
Golden, CO

I thought that The Pooka and the Fiddler & Happy as Larry were not only funny and well written, but great entertainment. The Colcannon group was amazing with the music intertwined with the storytellers' narrative. This is one of those rare treats one comes across!

I first discovered Colcannon in the early 90's while on a business trip as an Air Force officer. I have been a huge fan ever since and never hesitate to purchase their albums/CDs. I bought "The Pooka and the Fiddler & Happy as Larry" hoping to hear a number of new tunes to sing along with. Instead I was pleasantly surprised to discover the album contained only two selections, and what excellent selections they are! The music in the first story transports you along as the Pooka carries Larry to a far off place and opens his mind to skills and beauties heretofore unknown. The second selection is just as amazing. "Happy as Larry" reminds me of the late Harry Nilssons' superb album titled "The Point". And the "point" of this excellent musical story is that 'Happy as Larry' is the only way to be. A must-buy for boomers with children or grandchildren who need a pleasantly entertaining story to educate them by.

We own probably every CD that Colcannon as recorded and when Fiddler and Happy as Larry was released we couldn't wait to listen to it. As always, Colcannon did a great job. Very entertaining for children and adults as well. We love to listen while on the road. Love it!!!

This is a unique album. Here are two stories masterfully interwoven with superb, stylish Celtic music. The tunes are a thoughtful and utterly appropriate backing to Seanachie Mick Bolger's mastery of that craft. The music never interferes, but only aids the storytelling -- not unlike the very best opera. This album charms, soothes and amuses -- a treat for the entire family. Those of us who are lucky enough to know Colcannon know that this is quintessential work by Mick, Jean, Rod, Mike and Brian.

Every Colcannon song or tune or story is a voyage into a world all its own - a creation filled with passion, sadness or whimsy - always sailed with virtuosity and loving care. This album is no exception.

Karl Kumli

Celtic Music Host
KGNU Radio,
Boulder-Denver, Colorado, USA