Customer Reviews

So Many Partings

5 star:		(6)
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This was the first Silly Wizard album I bought, and I never looked back. Authentic, in both content and instrumentation, this band was also wonderful and lively in concert. If you're into true Irish/Celtic folk music, this would make an excellent addition to any collection; if you're making a first-time step, walk this way!

I remember listening to this CD when it was a vinyl record in my mother's collection. I used to think it was one of the most rocking albums she owned...especially next to Peter, Paul and Mary and other such folk acts. The lyrics at the time meant nothing to me, but the soul of the song, the lilt in the voices and the energy of the musicians inspired me to dance and sing along in my living room. This CD has as much soul as any Motown or Stax/Volt recordings, and has a special place in my childhood memories to boot.

"So Many Partings" was the first CD I heard by Silly Wizard, and I *had* to have it. The musicianship is marvelous on the instrumentals (Phil Cunningham has *got* to be the most amazing accordionist ever). However, it was Andy M. Stewart's voice and lyrics that really got hold of me and didn't let go. "The Valley of Strathmore" brought tears to my eyes upon the first listen ... incredibly beautiful ... and I am still known to shed a tear when I hear it again. I cannot recommend this CD highly enough to admirers of Celtic music.

Listen to the samples for "Valley of Strathmore", "Bridget O'Malley" and the traditional Scottish rebellion tune "Donald McGillavry/O'Neill's Cavalry March" and you will be hooked, I promise. This is little known Scottish group is one of the best traditional Scottish (and some Irish) bands there ever was.

An excellent way to sample the band's sounds.
It falls somewhere in between the simpler sound of the earliest era of the band and the slightly more elaborate sound that began with Wild and Beautiful and Kiss the Tears Away.

For Scottish musicians, Johnny Cunningham's play on A.A. Cameron's attains perfection on strathspey phrasing.

The album also contains the recorded version of concert favorite, Donald McGillavry.

Valley of Strathmore and Wi' My Dog and Gun rank near the top in Andy Stewart ballads.

We'll miss you Johnny!

This album has everything for the celtic music fan (exciting instrumentals, a magical blending of voices, some songs in gaelic). I love the changes in tempo from slow airs to rousing reels and jigs.
The beauty of the flute brought tears to my eyes. What a great collection of traditional celtic tunes performed by top talent!