Collected

Mary Black

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 13, 1994)
• Original Release Date: 1988
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Gift Horse
• ASIN: B000000LWZ
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #50,989 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Mary Black's Collected album, as originally released in Ireland on cassette in 1984, combined three tracks from DeDanann's " Song for Ireland " album (1983), three tracks from the " General Humbert II " album (1982), and four tracks recorded by Mary Black during October of 1984 especially for the album. Mary re-recorded " Song for Ireland " for the Collected CD, released in Ireland in 1988. When composer Archie Fisher was commissioned to write a song for a BBC program celebrating the new oil economy of Scotland, he submitted Men of Worth, a song which points out the pitfalls of trading a way of life for easy company money. Although Men of Worth was rejected for its original purpose, it may well become an anthem in this age of multinational corporations. Mary is backed up by Uilleann Pipes and Sitar on the traditional She Moves Through The Fair. Both Sides The Tweed features Robert Burns' poem set to music by Dick Gaughan. Hard Times is by the 19th Century American composer, Stephen C. Foster. Isle of St. Helena takes a playful look at Napoleon's exile as a reminder that one's status in life is never assured. My Youngest Son Came Home Today is a classic anti-war song by Scotland's Eric Bogle.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mary's Black's outstanding singing style, September 8, 1997

By	[e-mail] (Eau Claire, WI) - See all my reviews

It was while driving on Highway 83, heading off to work, that I first came into contact with the voice of Mary Black. There I was driving along, humming, meandering among my thoughts whle traveling the blacktop when over the radio poured out a voice smooth as water with a depth and beautiful tonality that grabbed at my heart from the first note. Her "Song of Ireland" which is featured on this C.D. is not only my favorite song of hers but my favorite song of all. The words, the music, the melody line, and finally her voice combine to create not just a song but an experience. I was transported and frozen deep in listening while driving in the early morning traffic. Even after the last note dissapeared and I had scrambled to jot down the name of this amazing singer as the D.J. announced it, her song, her voice, stayed with me making my day that much brighter, more perfect, certianly more enjoyable. Mary Black's voice is an experince no true music lover should be without and I highly recommend this C.D. END

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The finest collection of a unique and pure voice., February 22, 1999

By A Customer

This collection draws from some of Mary's strongest work in the earlier portion of her career. Achingly pure is how I describe her voice. The album begins with her signature song, "Song for Ireland," which was re-recordered for this release. The song will grow on you if it doesn't captivate you immediately. It is followed by one of the few songs in Gaelic about Bonnie Prince Charlie. It has blown me away for years and continues to do so. For a change of pace, next comes a song by the Scottish balladeer, Archie Fisher, "Men of Worth." Mary's arrangement captures all the rhythmic and instrumental power that the song's message demands.

The album's blend of traditional and contemporary themes is weighted toward the traditional, but the range of settings is very broad, so one doesn't tire of this collection. In "She Moved Through the Fair," originally a poem by James Stephens, the words and the arrangement are totally unlike anything I've ever heard. It shows, I believe, her willingness to stretch and create something truly unique. If you like a strong female voice both literally and figuratively, you must have this album.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite Mary Black CD, July 11, 2003

By	Catnip "Beth" (USA) - See all my reviews

I own most of Mary Black's CD's, but this one is my favorite. In fact, I believe it may be my favorite CD by a female performer. Ms. Black's voice is crystal clear and haunting. When she sings "Song for Ireland," I can picture the cliffs and ocean in my mind. In my opinion, this CD has the best of Ms. Black's traditional Irish music.