Customer Reviews

Tree

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In the CD notes, Gaelic Storm asks the playful question 'Why ... did they call it "Tree?"' The answer appears to be because they're starting to branch out in different directions.

This, the group's third CD, is markedly different from its predecessors. Gone, for the most part, is the downright frenzied tempo that had been the hallmark of Gaelic Storm since before they appeared on Titanic. I particularly miss that wonderful, virtuoso harmonica playing which was so prominent in "Herding Cats".

The biggest difference has to be the group's makeup. Mysteriously gone is Samantha Hunt, to be replaced by Kathleen Keane. Unlike Samantha, Kathleen sings -- a couple of songs all by herself. While her voice is pleasant, it's a bit too breathy for my tastes. And of course, the choruses tend to have a lighter sound, since they're no longer purely masculine.

With the amount of energy packed into the first two CD's, I began to wonder how long it would be before these guys mellowed out -- or spontaneously combusted. Sure enough, they're mellowing. I have visions of CD #7, in 2012, sounding rather like the Chieftains ....

Another difference is in the songs themselves: the group is relying less on traditional works and more on their own creations, which have a more "modern" sound to them, and contemporary themes to match.

Still, despite my reservations, I find this to be a fine CD and worth the money. My favorite track is "The Beggarman", precisely because it sounds the most like the old Gaelic Storm. My other favorite is "Swimmin' in the Sea", one of their home-grown melodies, and downright melancholy. It makes me want to head for the nearest coast in all possible haste. And there are three lively all-music tracks for your toe-tapping enjoyment.

The only recommendation I would make is to consider listening to the earlier CD's first, before moving on to this one. That way you can listen to Gaelic Storm evolve.

Tree. According to some, it was chosen for this album's title because Gaelic Storm is branching out beyond their brand of Irish music. Onstage, singer Patrick Murphy claims instead that the reason is just that it's their third album ("one, two, tree.") Hmm.. so they're trying new things, and yet they're still refusing to take themselves seriously. Good news for a band that still dedicates some tunes "to the terminally immature."

If you want something serious.. well, there's some seriously stunning musicianship and gorgeous singing here. And in fine rollicking form, for every meaningful tune there's a lighthearted jig to give you a good laugh and get your feet moving. They give a rousing 'carpe diem' in "Before the Night Is Over" and follow it up right away with "Johnny Tarr"'s tale of a man who took that advice too far. "Mary's Eyes" (a fantastic vocal turn by new fiddlemistress Kathleen Keane) can wring tears from almost anyone with even a slight Irish streak. "An Poc Ar Buile" continues the bawdy silliness, although it would be more widespread if all but one verse weren't sung in gaelic. (To give an indication, that title means "The Crazy Goat.") "Go Home Girl" sounds like a traditional non-love song until the final punchline. You might expect a slow ballad in "Midnight Kiss" from looking at the title, but it's one of the most rousing tunes on the album - quite a feat, considering the kicking energy we hear from the first minute of the hyper "Beggarman."

There's nothing groundbreaking about a set of traditional Irish tunes, but there's always room for one more when it's done with the level of energy and cheer Gaelic Storm brings to every note they play. With Tree they toss in a few more original songs and add some exotic percussion and accordion to the stew. Still curious? You can't go wrong with their self-titled debut.. and if you want more, this Tree's worth a good listen.

First, the disclaimer: this is the only bit of Irish/Gaelic/Celtic music I own (matter of fact, I know so little about the genre I don't even know what to to call it!) I initially bought this album for a boyfriend who was into Celtic music, after sampling it at a listening post in a music store and thinking he'd like it. Well, I was right and he loved it. We both did -- and now the boyfriend's gone, but I made sure to keep the CD!!

"Tree" is a stirring, evocative album from beginning to end. Before the Night is Over is a great tune to wind yourself up with, Mary's Eyes is deeply soulful, and Beggarman is irresistably toe-tapping. I was especially impressed by Gaelic Storm's ability to cover such a range of emotions on a single album, and not have any one song feel out of place. I can play the delightful romp of Johnny Tarr over and over again, and at the same time I'm also hitting the "repeat" button on my CD player for the haunting Walk Through My Door.

If you think you might like Celtic music but don't know much about it, this is a great CD to have on your shelf. There isn't one tune that's not to like.

My only regret, after having read some other reviews on this page, is that I haven't had the chance to see Gaelic Storm play live - a deficiency I intend to remedy as soon as possible!

The most recent CD from Gaelic Storm is entitled "Tree." In many respects "Tree" reveals a musical refinement of the band. The CD was produced by Jim Cregan who also co-wrote some of the songs. Jim Cregan is well known for his collaborations with Rod Stewart including the co-writing of "Forever Young." The song which immediately stands out on "Tree" is "Before the Night is Over." Musically well crafted with incredible lyrics, this is a song you'll want to listen to over and over. Although Kathleen Keane has been touring with the band for a while, this is the first disc where her talents are heard outside of their concerts. Kathleen Keane is an extraordinary musician playing fiddle, whistles and button accordion. In addition, Kathleen Keane has a beautiful voice - just listen to her featured solo on "Mary's Eyes." In other songs Keane's voice plays a perfect harmony to Twigger, Patrick and Steve. The layers of percussion put down by Shep just gets better and better. "Tree" demonstrates a growth in the band and their dedication to evolving and refining of their music and sound. Gaelic Storm is defining their own sound. Give the CD a listen and you will likely agree.

I had the great pleasure of being introduced to Gaelic Storm live at an Irish Fair over the weekend. Heard plenty of the energetic traditional music their long-time fans told me about and also enjoyed the material from this new album. When it came time to pick which of their albums to take home with me, I chose Tree...

While it may be different from their previous albums, I felt it would be best representative of their current state. Sure enough, the tunes they'd performed in concert sounded familiar and the other tracks fit into that feeling well. They range from the haunting "Mary's Eyes" and touching traditional "Black is the Colour" to the frenetic "The Plouescat Races" and the fun "Go Home, Girl."

From the liner notes, you get the impression that this is a band that is having fun. From the photos from tours to the disclaimer, "No alcohol whatsoever was consumed in the making of this album. Scenes which depict the consumption of 945 cans of Guinness [and other copious amounts] were digitally simulated." you can tell these folks are having a good time. This feeling is carried over from their live performance where the performers joke with each other and the audience.

A fun-filled album and definately a band that is fun to see live.

As a huge Gaelic Storm / Great Big Sea / Saw Doctors fan, I bought "Tree" upon its release but after a first listen, I put it aside. It was good but didn't grab me like "Gaelic Storm" and "Herding Cats" did immediately. Three weeks later, the band played Annapolis, MD and I found myself thinking "that was a great tune, which album was that on???". Another more thourough listening of "Tree" revealed that is a really great CD. It will throw you off at first because it doesn't immediately hit you with their signature jigs and reels (although "Girl Go Home" surely makes up for it). But Kathleen Keane, who's voice is as beautiful as she is in person, will win you over with her vocals on "Mary's Eyes" and "Swimming In The Sea".

I have seen Gaelic Storm in concert (only) twice, and have all three of their CD's. I also have Kathleen Keane's CD, who is a member of G.S.

This TREE CD, is by far, the best recorded music Gaelic Storm has put together. Black is the Colour is on this one! In concert, when they do that song, there is not one dry eye in the Female portion of the audience! (Us girls know our music!) The rest of the tunes on this disc are just as awesome. Some has you tapping a putt...some has you dancing no matter where you are! This CD gets a "both thumbs up" rating!

Thanks Gaelic Storm...great work! :) Loveyou all!

Having listened to most of Gaelic Storm's work up to this point, I was looking forward to hearing this album.

I was impressed, then disappointed, then back and forth across the track list. Now, when we put the CD in the tray, we simply skip all of the tracks that have a female vocal track. That weeds out almost all of the boring, plodding pseudo-romantic songs.

There are a few great tracks. "Beggarman", "Go Home, Girl!" (our favorite), "Johnny Tarr", and anything with their old fast beat are not to be missed. Unfortunately, in between each of these songs, they put in a ballad which completely breaks the tempo and feel of the album.

It's like driving down the freeway, only to be stopped in a gridlock which crawls along at a walking pace. Then it clears and gets moving again, only to slam on the brakes and drag you back down to boredom. The lively, upbeat feel of their older works shows its face, but only fleetingly, and not often enough.

I would recommend listening to the samples provided, and only buying the tracks which really appeal to you.

I love this collection of songs. There are several that stick in your ear long after the music is played. Johnny Tarr even had my neices and nephews singing and asking me to replay that song over and over again. Swimming in the Sea is another of their and my favorites. The haunting, "I thought I knew you" reminds of 'someone I used to know.' A good mix of tunes that will keep you humming for hours.

Gaelic Storm is one of my favorite bands and if i ever get the chance to see them live, I'm there.

One of my friends let me borrow his copy of Tree, and I'll admit I was a little skeptical. But after listening to it just once, I couldn't get enough of it! After giving him his copy back, I went out and bought it for myself. Now it's my favorite CD, and Gaelic Storm is my favorite band. I highly reccommend this CD, not just for traditional Irish/Gaelic music lovers, but for anyone who likes a good beat and incredible lyrics!