Women of Ireland

Ceoltoiri | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 10, 1998)
• Original Release Date: March 10, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Maggie's Music
• ASIN: B000006555
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #351,700 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In a way, Ceoltoiri are a little reminiscent of the Chieftains, in that they take a slightly more orchestral--as opposed to rough and ready, session-type--approach to the music, framing it in a slightly more formal context. They're at their very best, however, when the music is framing Connie McKenna's lovely voice, which isn't a million miles from Steeleye Span's Maddy Prior. That isn't to say that the instrumental sets lack power--just that the songs seem to offer these women a greater focus. There are some interesting touches--clarinet and woodwinds here and there--but it's good to see them using traditional material, instead of adding to the already cluttered canon. In an age of Celtic proliferation, sorting the wheat from the chaff takes a strong act of will. But Ceoltoiri are definitely wheat. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five stars, just for the first and last tracks alone, November 18, 2001

By 

Kelly (Fantasy Literature) (Columbia, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Women of Ireland (Audio CD)

Ceoltoiri's album _Women of Ireland_ includes some of the most haunting songs I've ever heard, most notably the two Child ballad adaptations, "The Cruel Sister" and "Fair Flower of Northumberland". These two songs alone are worth the cost of the album, if you're into traditional Celtic and British music. The other songs are good as well, but as another reviewer mentioned, Ceoltoiri is at its best during the 6 or so vocal numbers. The instrumental pieces are pretty but tend to fade into the background, rather than engaging the listener. Overall, a beautiful album, and special kudos for the traditional ballads. The vocalist has just the right voice for that kind of music.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Collectors of Irish music won't be disappointed, March 21, 1999

By 

RJW (Alexandria, Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Women of Ireland (Audio CD)

This was a wonderful new discovery for me. I was quite pleased. I listened to the haunting "The Cruel Sister" over and over - "the third string sang out so sad and low ..." Even casual collectors of Irish music won't be disappointed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Miss This One!!, October 26, 2006

By 

Virginia Allain "(retired librarian)" (Poinciana, FL) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Women of Ireland (Audio CD)

This album has the most ethereal music. The flute passages just went straight to my heart. The harp playing and hammered dulcimer were angelic. The voices warm and melodic.
I love it. Already a huge fan of any celtic music, this is a new favorite for me. I highly recommend it!