Customer Reviews

Star Spangled Molly

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

 

 

Twenty plus years ago I heard Maura sing "Maggie" at the Birchmere. She came on between sets of Sam Bush and Bela Fleck (don't forget John Cowan) She was young and so was I. I have heard the echo of that song for many years and was so delighted to find this CD. De Danann is a treat, but Maura makes this CD a no miss dessert

According to the album insert, "The predominant theme of De Danann's new LP featuring singer Maura O'Connell from Ennis is the awakened interest in the heyday of Irish-American music in the 1920's." I enjoyed this album, but I can't say anything jumped out as outstanding -- with the exception of 2 songs: Maggie and Come Back Again To Me, Mavourneen (both performed by O'Connell). The remaining songs are average old-fashioned Irish tunes, jigs, and reels.

I first found out about De Danann from an album called Celtic Tapestry. I found myself enamoured by the voice singing the song Maggie. I learned that Maggie was on their Star Spangled Molly album and purchased it in hopes of hearing more of that wonderful voice. Unfortunately, that singer (Maura O'Connell) only performs 3 songs on the album. She has since started her own successful solo career.

If you like older, more traditional styles of Irish/Celtic music you will probably enjoy this album. If you like the newer styles of Irish/Celtic music (like The Corrs or Loreena McKennitt), you may not be happy with this album.

I first heard cuts from this album on a Boston-area PBS station's weekly Celtic music program. I liked it enough to buy the album. I wasn't disappointed. It is indeed what my grandparents (who earned their boozing money singing in the local pubs and bars in Revere, MA)would have enjoyed and performed. "Period" vocals and excellent instrumental pieces. I'm happy I bought it!