Customer Reviews

Soul of a Harper (Autoharp Celtic Songs)

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I recently took up the autoharp, and "Soul of a Harper" was one of several CDs I bought to get a feel for the style and repertoire associated with the 'harp. I was in for a surprise.

"Soul of a Harper" is much more than a showcase for a virtuoso harper. Marc's harping, while beautifully modulated and technically superb, is always subordinated to his musical purpose.

The songs are wonderful. Marc's own "The Bridge" and "Buttercup's lament are reaaly fine. I thought "The Lady of Setliff Manor" was traditional until I checked the liner notes and discovered that this, too, is from Marc's Pen.

"The Sick Note" (here titled "The Barrel Song") has been a favorite of mine since I first heard it in a Killarney pub. Marc more than does it justice.

Marc's a capella rendition of "The Parting Glass" is so perfect that I expect to play it over and over until I can sing it half as well.

It's difficult not to be effusive when talking about Brobdingagian Bard Marc Gunn's new solo album, Soul of a Harper! It has everything...lovely, haunting instrumentals, rollicking Celtic tracks, as well as gorgeous ballads and a couple of very humorous songs. A large number of the songs are self-penned, showcasing Marc's talents as a song writer. His rich baritone is well displayed in his acappella renderings of several songs such as the beautiful The Parting Glass. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone interested in traditional and contemporary Celtic folk and/or folk music in general!

I have been a fan of the The Brobdingnagian Bards since I first heard them. With this solo album Marc has taken what to some might have been a hard step going it alone, but he shows his true self with this CD. It goes from one song to another with ease and captures your attention from the beginning until the last song is finished. I would recommend this album to anyone who loves not only the traditional sounds but to anyone who loves music. It is a keeper for sure.

Marc Gunn's cd "A Soul of a Harper"is much more than just a cd,it's a musical journey..
It will take you down several paths of musical bliss...
"The Bridge"and "Buttercup's Lament"are sung from the heart for those in love...If instumentals are more to your liking,then you'll be pleased with the magical sound of the autoharp on "My Titania,Wake You,My Sweet Queen".
Singing A Cupella,Marc's deep voice does real justice to the traditional ballad"My Love is Like a Red,Red Rose".
Your journey continues to the land of Middle Earth with the ballad "Middle Earth Bragging Song"and then you're whisked away to Ireland with"Happy Brithday From Ireland"which still brings a tear to my eye whenever I hear it.Before you leave Ireland,you get a visit from "The Leprechuan"which will see you to the end of your journey with a smile on your face.
This is a musical journey you'll want to take several times...you'll be glad you did.....

Soul Of A Harper will leave you with a warm feeling and a sense of awe. The instrumentals are enchanting and the vocals are amazing. Give it a listen and you won't be sorry.