Sweet Liberty [Import]

Susan Mckeown (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 13, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: World Village USA
• ASIN: B0001WJNMI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,949 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Irish-born and New York-based singer Susan McKeown has made a name for herself over the last decade by interpreting Irish traditionals she's found through research or been taught by other musicians. Sometimes she can be a bit overambitious in her interpretations: thus we get a slightly disorienting version of the Irish song "Oró Mhíle Grá (A Thousand Times My Love)," which features McKeown fronting the Malian group Ensemble Tartit. Her lilting alto voice floats over the top of the African call and response and handclaps, but it's a noble experiment where the two styles don't match up. Better is the singer's collaboration with members of Mariachi Real de Mexico on "Eggs In Her Basket," where the strong waltz rhythm fuses the two traditions. Much of the rest of the album is beautifully understated Irish folk music driven with acoustic guitar, whistles, fiddle, and harmonium. With a voice as beautiful and strong as hers, one wonders why McKeown is not bigger name in the genre. -- Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Susan McKeown At Her Best!, April 30, 2004

By 

Rachel (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sweet Liberty (Audio CD)

This is, without a doubt, Susan's best album yet. Her voice has matured and her style is fully developed, leaving us with a delightful, refreshing taste of not-so-traditional Irish music. Every track is beautiful, even the somewhat-critized "Oró Mhíle Grá (A Thousand Times My Love)", though the sound is definitely one that takes some getting used to! "Sweet Liberty" and "Caledonia" are two lovely Celtic ballads that you'll listen to over and again.

This album is also a must-have for fiddle-legend Johnny Cunningham fans. The last track, "When I Was on Horseback", a particularly haunting and poignant song, was recorded just one day before Johnny passed away, in December of 2003.

If you're going to buy just one Susan McKeown album, make it this one!

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it, January 25, 2009

By 

Dennis J. Ferry "DenDen" (NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sweet Liberty (Audio CD)

Seller delivered in a fast manner. The disk was in great condition. Love the album.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite albums!, December 12, 2005

By 

Jo - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sweet Liberty (Audio CD)

Filled with haunting melodies and rhythms, "Sweet Liberty" is an item not to miss. I'm so glad I was up late, listening to her interview on NPR one evening!

"Oró Mhíle Grá (A Thousand Times, My Love)" is one of my favorites. The combination of voices and drums from such an unconventional team quickly hooks the listener.

She is expecting to release a new compilation in 2006 and I am looking forward to it!