Customer Reviews

Spirit of the Celtic Violin

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Enchanting Celtic strains are heard wafting out of the speakers and floating into the hearts of the lucky listeners in this first effort by Arlene Faith, a Nashville, Tennessee artist who's previous work has been as a successful songwriter for some of Music City's best, like George Jones and Janie Frickie. One can picture a green misty meadow with all the sights, smells and sounds of Ireland and come only close to the magic heard on "Spirit of the Celtic Violin" thanks in no small part to the superb production by Russell Kortright, assisted by some of Nashville's most sensitive musicians. Most songs are artist-written and more than hold their own with the album's two traditional melodies. My favovorite track is "If I Had A Boat", kind of a "George Winston visits Ireland and takes up the violin", but there's not one track I don't like and I don't think I've been able to say that since I used to buy Beatle records. A real delight for the ears and mind.

I am surprised and disappointed in Ms. Lady's review of "Spirit of the Celtic Violin". I own this and other CD's of Arlene Faith, and find them captivating and very versatile. I hope her posting does not discourage anyone to purchase her music, even at the posted price. It is well worth owning and enjoying.

Arlene Faith - Spirit of the Celtic Violin

From the very first note, this album moves me. The opening track, "East Of River Shannon" is a touching, tranquilizing piece that really does give one the feeling of floating down a river - perhaps a magical river, that exists somewhere between actual places in old Scotland or Ireland, and a gorgeous fantasy dimension. Every song on the CD is excellent, but there are many highlights. "Night Amongst The Elves" is a playful, eminently danceable adventure to a realm that many (including myself) would love to visit often. The incredible "Jacky Tar" is a lively, joyous, upbeat song that compels me to return to the woods and revisit the magic, spiritual power and fulfillment that is there for all of nature's children. The mesmerizing sounds of the violin and other instruments on the amazing "If I Had A Boat" are so beautifully rendered and arranged that they make me swoon with a feeling of inner peace and harmony.

Arlene's beautiful, masterful violin playing, accompanied by her fabulous band's old-world sounds and instruments, truly creates a rich tapestry of images and feelings that transport me to an exquisite place that I love to visit frequently. As this is an all instrumental album, it frees my mind totally from the confines and limitations that language inherently creates, and I can just let go and sail away from the modern world with all of its decidedly non-spiritual goings-on.

I heartily recommend this disc to anyone who loves Celtic, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Old World music. It is a nice mix of fast and slow numbers, all of which obviously come straight from the heart of Arlene and her fellow musicians. It is such a powerful set of recordings, and always leaves me feeling renewed and invigorated. The blend of mandolin, flute, violin, guitars, keyboards, whistles and Arlene's inspired, heartfelt, lovely songwriting will, in my opinion, have a profound effect on all who listen to it.

James Galusha
January 2002

This CD is a perfect fusion of New Age and Celtic. But when I say "New Age", by no means do I mean background music. This CD is to be listened to very carefully. This is music that is so full of heart; music that is sometimes soul-soothing, sometimes spirit-lifting, and always good. Arlene Faith proves herself to be a great composer as well as a unique violinist. I highly recommend this album to anyone in search of wonderful original music.

This CD costs more thsan most. I love celtic music and own alot of it. This all sounds the same. Not alot of variety.