Customer Reviews

A Thistle & Shamrock Christmas Ceilidh

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

 

 

I was looking forward to this album, but as with many Celtic Christmas albums I have purchased, this was a major diappointment. It didn't particularly have anything to do with Christmas. The album title and list of artists made me think that this would include traditional Christmas songs from the Irish and Scottish traditions. I would love to find such an album. This definitely was not it. On the other hand, unlike my other Christmas music, it is something I can play year-round as well as at Christmas time. I just would have liked to know that before I bought the album.

Don't expect traditional Christmas carols here, or (unfortunately) any narrations by The Thistle & Shamrock's Fiona Ritchie, but nonetheless, this is an enjoyable collection of boisterous party music and a few wistful winter recollections from artists on the Green Linnet label. Featured is an all-star cast at their best: Altan, Andy M. Stewart and Manus Lunny, the House Band, Liz Carroll, Capercaillie, John Renbourn, Touchstone, Milladoiro, Phil Cunningham, Patrick Street, Cherish the Ladies, Niamh Parsons and the Loose Connections, Wolfstone, Lunasa, Manus McGuire, the Tannahill Weavers, and Kips Bay. Radio host Fiona Ritchie's selections are always well-chosen, and the tracks on this album are no exception. And while we don't hear her voice, the liner notes do contain a lengthy narrative penned by Fiona, as well as a recipe for Mrs. Walkinshaw's Dundee Cake. Beannachtai na Feile!

Fiona Ritchie, the host of NPR's Celtic music program "The Thistle & Shamrock," compiled the 17 tracks found on this wonderful collection of Celtic music. For those disappointed reviewers who thought they were buying a collection of well known American Christmas songs, they obviously didn't read the track listing. [Did you think "Maneo Da Ulla" was perhaps Gaelic for "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"?]

So what is a "ceilidh" (pronounced kay-lee)? After a quick google.com search, I learned that it is simply "an Irish or Scottish social gathering with traditional music, dancing, and storytelling." The hour's worth of music on this disc (taken from the vaults of Green Linnet Records) is--to quote the liner notes--"to echo the spirit of her village Christmas Ceilidh." It is not Christmas music per se (only John Renbourn's solo guitar rendition of "I Saw Three Ships" and the Tannahill Weavers' gorgeous reading of "Auld Lang Syne" are recognizable holiday songs), but the music certainly captures the feeling of the holiday as Fiona Ritchie envisioned it. [As a bonus, the booklet includes a recipe for Mrs. Wilkinshaw's Dundee Cake--one of the prizes awarded as part of the Christmas Ceilidh raffle.]

One benefit of this not being recognizable holiday music is that you can enjoy it year 'round. So throw another yule log on the fire, hoist a pint of your favorite ale, and enjoy! [Running Time - 62:43] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

There is something about playing a disc of Celtic Christmas music that brings the whole spirit of the season closer to home; and Fiona Ritchie has done a marvellous job putting together this disc. She has picked out her favourite Green Linnet selections in order to echo the spirit of her village's Christmas Ceilidh. Fiona is the host and producer of National Public Radio's The Thistle and Shamrock, which is one of the most popular and longest running music programs on public radio in the States.

You won't find anything here to disappoint you, but much to put you in the mood for trimming the tree, wrapping gifts, and of course for baking those yummy Christmas goodies for family and friends. In fact, included is a recipe for Mrs. Walkinshaw's Dundee Cake! I'll be trying this one out next week!

With 17 different tracks and artists I could be easily driven to distraction trying to figure out which three to share with you. The entire disc is that good! So I went with one which has some familiar history, and then one of the two traditional Christmas pieces which are recognizable world-wide. And I had to choose the one which stood out above all others for the final pick. So without further ado - here we go!

Andy M. Stewart and Manus Lunny give us a delightful track entitled At It Again. It is a humorous tale, believe me, and nobody could deliver it like this talented artist, once the renowned vocalist for Silly Wizard. And when you join this incredible voice with the Uillean pipes, well, you have the beginnings of something compelling and passion filled! This track will bring a smile to your heart and a laugh to your lips!

John Renbourn provides a seasonal staple with I Saw Three Ships. Johnís a very gifted guitarist, and shows his stuff with this piece, embellishing the chorus with extra notes and picking the melody out quite clearly. I could sit and listen to him play for hours, but all too soon the piece is over.

The Moving Cloud by Kips Bay is the piece which leapt out and stayed in my mind with each and every listen. It is taken from a live performance, and the disc Into the Light. This group is incredibly unique, well gifted, and very diverse in its background! Front man Pat Kilbride is amazing on the guitar, as is button accordionist John Whelan. Steve Missal once played in Ted Nugent's band, and was also Billy Idol's drummer. Richard Lindsey is a stellar world beat bassist, and Kenny Landrum is a keyboardist with flying fingers! I love reels, but this one is supercharged!

This is a spectacular taste of Celtic talent and will add much to your festive spirit! From Altan to Wolfstone, you'll find it here, as well as the included tale of a village Ceilidh. Treat yourself this Christmas; you'll be glad you did!

Review Originally Posted at LinearReflections.com

I read a postive recommendation of this in the paper so my wife got it for me for St. Nick's Day. It's very nice though as the online review mentions, there is very little in the music itself that refers to Christmas. In any case, the music is lovely and for anyone who likes the Celtic style.

I was sorely disappointed by this album, which is a fine collection of Celtic music, mostly instrumental, but I was expecting an album with the word "Christmas" in it to have some, I don't know, Christmas music? There ain't none. It has a misleading title.