Customer Reviews

Sweet Liberty

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

 

 

The second solo release from the one-time All-Ireland Singing Champion and former member of Oige. As with Cara's first release, husband Sam and brother-in-law Seth both play on this album, and sister Mary once again provides backing vocals. Recorded in Somerset, Sam is also listed the album's producer.

Cara's first album featured only three songs that weren't traditional tunes. With Sweet Liberty, the mix is slightly different - five of the twelve tracks are traditional, five are written by Cara and Sam, with the remaining two having been written by others. One of these songs is "There Were Roses", written by the legendary Tommy Sands. Cara initially recorded it for use on a BBC TV show called "Billy Connolly's World Tour of England, Ireland and Wales". After the episode featuring the track was broadcast, the message boards on Cara's website were virtually flooded (pun entirely intended !) with demands that this song be released. There's no doubt that it will be one of the highlights of the album for many people - it is superbly delivered.

For me, the highlights of this album are - as with her first release - the traditional songs. "The Winding River Roe", which gives a nod to Cara's hometown of Dungiven, features only Cara's voice and Sam tinkling the keyboards. Cara's delivery is so good on this track, I couldn't help wondering why the song hadn't been recorded unaccompanied. Running it close for my Song of the Album award is "The Emigrant's Farewell". One of the songs on the album to benefit from Brian Finnegan's flute playing, it also sees Liam O'Maonlai joining Mary on backing vocals. Liam, of course, is better known as the lead singer of the Hothouse Flowers.

The album opens with "High Tide", one of the songs Sam and Cara wrote themselves. It and "Broken Bridges" would be the best of the self-penned bunch. "Where Are You ?" nearly took that title - largely a gentle tune until the uileann pipes cut in. However, I just couldn't shake the feeling that it was drifting a little towards the sort of territory associated with the Corrs.

I'd only have one minor criticism of the album - I think it would've benefited from a little more variety in the backing music. While the pipes and flute popped up every once in a while, there still seemed to be an over-reliance on Sam and his keyboards. All the same, it's still a highly recommended album.

What immediately struck me, was her unique melodious voice. Cara truly has a style of her own, whether she is singing traditional Celtic airs or self composed pieces. There is a sweet and serene quality to her voice, yet it is powerful with quite an impressive vocal range.

This is the second of Cara's albums and I was absolutely blown away when I first listened to this C.D., which I purchased while in Ireland. This quickly became the soundtrack to my vacation, which I played constantly as I drove across country.

I would highly recommend this album to anyone who is a fan of "original" Celtic music. If you are looking for screeching fiddles or rowdy pub songs, then this isn't the album for you. The accompaniment of the Uilleann Pipes and piano and flute are appropriate and tastefully done, without taking away from the singer's vocal qualities. The self-penned songs of "High Tide" and "Where and You?" are particularly captivating.

Can't wait for the next album!

I am from the states, but while I was visiting Belfast this past spring, I saw Cara Dillon perform and her album doesn't do her voice justice, but it does come in at a close second! She has an amazing talent and her style is really different from anything I have heard before. I really enjoy this album. It takes on a rather calm/slow pace for almost the whole time. Its a really relaxing album. I love the traditional Irish songs and the instruments that are incorporated within them.

"There Were Roses" is one of my favorites because it is so beautiful and touching.

What a beautiful, clear voice Cara has. These are not strict interpretations of classic pieces. They have a modern instrumental accompaniment. And there are contemporary pieces here too. I have long been into Loreena McKennitt more mystical Celtic tales, The Chieftans spirited renderings, Enya, Clannad and The Coors contemporary pop music. But nothing compares to Cara's clean lines and hauntingly beautiful voice. She "plays" her voice like an instrument, modulating and hitting notes with precision but also with emotion. Please have a listen and you'll be convinced! (I wish the album's price could be reduced though. Go to http://www.caradillon.co.uk/ - Cara's own web site. There is a player available there. Click the down arrow to select a track. None of the selections are from this CD, however)

Cara Dillon was an all-Ireland vocal champion and after hearing this you'll know why. I enjoy the whole recording because of her clear, clean voice but I bought it mostly because of "There Were Roses." I believe her version of that song is the best ever done and brings me to tears almost every time I hear it.

Yes, CD has a great voice, and this collection of her songs showcases that. However, compared to HILL OF THIEVES, this albumn is lacking in excitement. I found no songs I simply had to listen to over and over. "There Were Roses" is unfortunatley a sappy tune about the Troubles that I found sophomoric.

Although it has been a while since I've listened to this CD, it's one that I like to play when I just need something to listen to while doing things around the house, or just in the mood to listen to music in general. It's truly a good one to have in your collection.

paid for a cd I never recieved....
can't review a product I have never heard.....
Won't purchase thru Amazon again due to unreliability of service.