Putumayo Presents: Women of the World - Celtic

Women Of The World (Putumayo Series)

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 31, 1995)
• Original Release Date: October 26, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Putumayo World Music
• ASIN: B000003EJL
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #34,974 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #32 in	Music > World Music > Celtic > Rock
  #95 in	Music > World Music > Celtic > Fusion
  #97 in	Music > World Music > Celtic > New Age

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This 1995 assemblage of Celtic (which is to say, Irish and Scottish) female artists, mostly sopranos of the more ethereal sort, is drawn from the pick of the crop. Some sing in Irish, others in English, and the selections move from contemporary singer-songwriters to hard-core trad mavens to airy New Age goddesses complete with wavery tin flutes and tsunamis of synth wash. A newcomer to Celtic music will find the selections enjoyable and the liner notes by Fiona Ritchie and Caitlin Ni Bheagain speak knowledgeably about where it all came from and why it matters. However, compilations of music by women have become too ubiquitous over the past few years, milking a tiresome marketing concept for all it's worth. To be fair, this was an early entry and the producers very likely meant well. But these brilliant artists deserve better than to be lumped together by gender. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A magical experience that relaxes and recharges, May 14, 2001

By	J. Remington "John Remington" (Adams, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There is something ultimately magical and haunting about the superb selections featured in this magnificently compiled introductory CD that manages to speak directly to the heart, allowing it to be both healed and inspired to brass out the world at the same time.

As depicted in the excellent, imformative and illustrative liner notes by NPR's Fiona Ritchie (the CD would be even better if it had her speaking her commentary!), the Celtic women were responsible for singing the histories of their people (really all women in all cultures were). Listening to the songs presented here, which run the gamut from traditional to contemporary musings on classical themes, one gets the true celebration of what it means to be a human being. These women are historians of the human soul.

The music here connects the listener to a sense of mystery and place like all great works of art should. In today's pop culture which seems to value the vulgar, the loud, the intrusive, the ugly, the angry and the devisive as art, the recent revival of Celtic music stands apart. It invites inclusion, introspection and healing as well as bold romance and courage.

This is not to say that sadness and despair is overlooked in favor of banality and rose colored glasses- God, no. The history of Celtic peoples as presented here in microcasm is filled with terror, pain and lament. But out of the blue darkness of tragedy comes the light of hope and that is what rings true in this collection.

The women singers here, all worth seeking out in their own catalouges, take on many roles: clowns, goddesses, lovers, witches, warriors and mothers. It is a privilage to share in their journeys. I celebrate the rise of Traditional World music, which this is but a mere taste. Listening to traditional music, makes one believe that somewhere in this maddening, techno-obsessed world, there just might be a larger context which includes us all.

Included here are two of my favorite Mary Black pieces, the heart tugging "Song for Ireland" and the swashbuckling "Treasure Island". Also included is the Siren-like Karen Mathieson leading Capercaille through "Aineen Diene" (SP!) a bone chilling wail that, if one remembers it from the soundtrack of the excellent film "Rob Roy", will always make one look behind their back on a foggy night.

I use this CD in many ways: for mood music in acting class, background music to write by, road trip sountrack, make-out music, and simple entertainment. This CD is money well spent.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an amazing album., August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This album is a treat for any fan of Celtic music. It mixes traditional and contemporary Celtic songs. For someone who is new to Celtic music, this album is a good place to start, since it contains samples of the music of many of the most prominent female artists in the genre. The best songs, I thought, were "Against the Wind," "Treasure Island," "Dark Alan," "Waiting for the Wheel to Turn," "The Mighty One," and "Song For Ireland." Be sure to check it out!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Album..., November 2, 2000

By	Decelaraptor "Omnivorous Reader" (Birmingham, AL) - See all my reviews

In truth, I would have prefered giving this album a four-and-a-half star rating; it's not perfect, but it comes very close. The two songs by Karen Mathieson and Capercaille are a particular bonus; I've admired that band for years now, and to hear Karen's haunting voice in Gaelic and English is wonderful. Nancy MacCallion's number, "On We Go" is both spirited and dark, a wickedly pleasing combination here, while Mary Black's "Treasure Island" gives a melancholic yet hopeful view of life and love. Maire Bhreannan is always a joy to hear, and like with Capercaille we're blessed by a double helping. The CD ends brilliantly with Mary Black's encore piece,"Song for Ireland" and I can think of no better endpiece for the collection.I don't think I'll ever get tired of this one.