Customer Reviews

Sons of Somerled

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Never before have I heard music filled with such passion for that far-off land, Scotland, which lies quite far away from me ~ Oh, this is a wonderful album! And I came upon it quite by chance at a little bookshop near my home.

Herein you'll find a blissful mix of traditional Scottish/Celtic song and that timeless ethereal/mystical sound that's found in the music of Loreena McKennitt, Clannad, or the like. The qualities that set this collection apart are found not only in the deeper vocals, but also in the intensity of passion for Scotland's turbulent heritage and that country's restless, timeless spirit of beauty and unrequited aspiration.

From the first moment I listened, this music has stayed with me, haunted me with wonderful persuasion ~~ Found in SONS OF SOMERLED is the spirit found in the movie, BRAVEHEART. Especially endearing to my own soul are the songs THE CELTIC WARRIOR and ALL YOU CAN KNOW. There are also lovely versions of LOCH LOMOND and SCOTLAND THE BRAVE.

Oh ~ and you will indeed hear the bagpipes! Yet they are not overbearing, mind you - but part of a collective plaintive cry, or an echo, as from across a vast space of distance and time ~~ And it is a loveliness to any ghost or living soul who yearns for the spirit that has lived in that little section of the world since ancient times.

Visionary, nostalgic, and awe inspiring. MacDonald takes traditional and new Scottish highland music and augments it with the unleashed power of a full orchestra and high-tech production. It's not the orchestra music of your grandfathers, for I have never heard timpani player(s) unleashed like a highland Celtic drummer, nor heard Celtic drums with the tonal quality of a tuned set of orchestral kettles. The singing is awesome, the music is fantastic. Everyone who hears it played goes out and buys their own copy. And, as a hidden bonus, if you play it on your computer there are pictures of Scotland hidden there in PC format. Buy one. Turn the volume up to 9. Enjoy.

Not only is this a wonderful and stirring CD, it's obviously a work of love. Steve McDonald has put his heart and soul into this beautiful album. I never tire of it. But did anyone else discover the awesome multimedia music video and interview also included as data on the CD? Put the CD in your PC, search it with Windows Explorer and ENJOY EVEN MORE OF "SONS OF SOMERLED"!!! Making plans for my second trip to Scotland - Isles of Skye and Harris this time.

Steve McDonald captures the feeling, the history, and the pride of our Scottish Ancestry. For a wonderful reminder of what national patriotism is all about, even here in the states, this is the music to bring the best of who we, and our ancestors were together.

This is a wonderful, mellow, and beautiful CD. I listen to it all the time. Very moving, gives me the goose bumps to listen. Very emotional.

I'm a simple man, and have simple tastes. I was riding with a friend who is very well travelled, and a much more picky desire for music than me, and he was playing this music. I instantly sank right into it, and for several years borrowed his copy. Finally I broke down and bought my own copy and love every single minute of it. The big three of Steve's Music, Sons of Somerled, Stone of Destiny, and Highlad Farewell are awesome. One of the only things I've ever listened to that left me in tears (in a good way), and enjoyable. I definitely recommend this for any lover of anything medieval.

A wonderful CD, which has in some detail the history of the famous (infamous) clan Donald (from macdonalds, mcdonald's and o'donnells all originated) and it is told in a music theatre format.

Sort of a male "enya" (call it "men-ya")the CD is filled with lush synth melodies coupled with heavily layered vocal tracks. Not as pure as natural celtic music---but just as interesting. It is coupled with an interactive portion about the New Zealander's visit to his scottish roots.

I listened to it on a trip to scotland, and I need to tell you his rendition of Loch Lomand brought me to tears as i toured along it's bonnie banks.

Back about 4 years ago, my cousin from Wyoming had heard this in a coffee shop, bought it and mailed it to me. The same week another friend had heard it, and gave me a copy. Apparently they thought I'd like it.

I DID!!!!!

The first time I heard Sons of Somerled, I was attending massage therapy school and had just started a massage on a client. Talk about <goosebumps>! After my client had left, I immediately went to the school bookstore and asked them what they had been playing over the sound system. I went home with Sons of Somerled and if a CD could be worn out, this one would be by now. Excellent massage music, great energy!

Few things raise a heated debate quicker than what is "Celtic" music in a modern context. Steve McDonald successfully, IMHO, fuses the traditional celtic with a more modern beat. I am not a huge fan of the traditional celtic folk music, but I like it well enough. Sons of Sommerled is an extrememly popular album with a number of my friends, even those who are staunch "don't mess with tradition" type of celtic fans. I had this album in cassette, now's my chance to get the CD.