Customer Reviews

The Words That Remain

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Solas has changed recently since the departure of Karen Casey. I remember the good old days when this band gave Irish Traditional Music CPR while ripping through reels and jigs. There was world percussion and there was a driven pace set by John Doyle playing fast chord configurations. Karen was singing in both Irish Gaelic and English. High energy tracks followed by hauntingly beautiful songs. What fun! Their first four albums followed this frantic pace of inspired arrangements, with a little known tribute DVD to the old crew, "Solas," filmed during a concert with a supportive audience on Saint Patrick's Day in Burlington, Vermont. I strongly recommend all of the above Solas albums and DVD. With so little Irish Traditional Music on DVD, their DVD is a little known, but a rare gem.

I was driving my car listening to assorted NPR music and then they played "Pastures of Plenty". It blew me away. I pulled over to write down the name of the group. I never heard of Solas. I bought the album, and it has become my favorite. Their blend of sounds is so pure and enjoyable, yet is is very intricate and creative. I don't think I'll ever get tired of listening to this CD.

The all-star Irish band Solas is without question, one of the most electrifying ensembles of progressive Celtic music playing today. "The Words that Remain" is a perfect example of their ability to play with respect for tradition but hunger for breaking boundaries. All of the members of Solas show undying taste and musicianship throughout this album as well as their previous releases. Karan Casey delivers an awesome selection of songs with a moving voice and astounding ability. Seamus Egan (Flutes, Mandolin, Banjo & Percussion), Winifred Horan (Fiddle) and Mick McAuley (Accordion) give Solas a driving melody section backed by the master of DADGAD guitar himself, John Doyle. Each of these musicians has long-standing respect from the contemporary Celtic world but together, they are an unstoppable force of excellent music! Also on this recording are guest musicians: Iris de Ment on vocals, Bela Fleck on banjo, Chico Huff on bass and various others. The quality of music on this CD is nearly indescribable, and on a scale of 1 to 5 I would give it a dramatic 6! However, don't take my word for it! Buy Solas's "the Words that Remain", you won't be sorry!

Flawless arrangements and gob-smacking playing and singing by Solas. The reels and jigs are brilliant with Egan in awesome form on flute, banjo and mandolin - listen to his duet with Bela Fleck. Karan Casey's vocals are achingly superb on "Pastures of Plenty", "A Chomaraigh Aoibhinn O" and "The Grey Selchie" and McAuley, Doyle and Horan play with style and energy. Every track is a gem - this is an album that i can play again and again and again and .......

On a recent trip to Dublin, Ireland I heard this album playing in a giftshop. It was so fun, and reminiscent of my entire wonderful trip to the land of Eire that I bought it. In fact, I bought the last CD in the store, which they took off the player to sell me.

I'm not an expert on Irish music, but I know that I love this album. It presents all the moods of Ireland ... from fun reels, to sad and haunting ballads. I'm looking forward to listening to more tracks from this talented and engaging group.

My wife and I experienced the music of Solas a month ago. They opened for Mary Chapin Carpenter and played with her later in her concert. I bought this CD at the concert immediately after they finished playing their set. I've bought my second Solas album and I'm going to get more. What a great sound! What great technicians! What great musicians! Thanks to MCC for bringing them on tour. I'm waiting for the Solas tour now.

This is Solas's best album yet. I thought that by the third album the music would sound the same, but that's not the case. The musicians are very talented and each song is arranged so beautifully that you never get bored with the music.

My favorite song on the ablum is "Song of Choice". Iris Dement, a performer that I have enjoyed since I first saw her open a show for Nancy Griffith, accompanies Karan Casey on this song. They both have beautiful, unique voices, and the combination of the two is a winner.

Just as on the other albums, I love the instrumental Reels & Jigs.

Two of the songs are sung in Gaelic, a beautiful sounding language. An english translation of the songs are provided in the song list.

If you ever have the opportunity to see Solas live do it! I have seen them three times and will continue to see them when they make stops in Chicago.

I also recommend any Iris Dement album. My faviorite is her debut album "Infamous Angel".

I saw Solas live in Las Vegas on 8/19/00 and was so impressed with their music I bought two of their CD's at the concert. This CD has got some of the best fiddle parts I've ever heard. Winafred is awesome on that fiddle. Every song on this CD is good but a couple are fast becoming my favorites of all my music. I found the vocals fantastic along with the instrumentals. This CD is well worth your time and your money.

My sister knew of my passion for Celtic music and bought me this album for Christmas. The group is phenomenal and the music is lively. From folk songs to traditional jigs this album will brighten your day and lighten your heart. Some songs are English, some are in Galic and others are just instrumentals.

The fiddle is to die for - and the crashing, jumping piano adds a spark not to be missed. This is the best commute music I own - never a week goes by without it sharing the road with me. You will love the intricacies and the extrovertedness of the tunes.