Santiago

The Chieftains

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 1, 1996)
• Original Release Date: October 1, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA Victor
• ASIN: B000003G5O
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #48,673 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
When the Chieftains' intrepid bandleader, Paddy Moloney, first heard Carlos Núñez, a young recorder and bagpipe virtuoso from a far-flung Celtic outpost in Spanish Galicia, he was mightily intrigued. Santiago explores a tradition that draws on medieval, Spanish, and Celtic sources; the music is performed on instruments that have changed little over the centuries. Núñez represents the home team, while Los Lobos and Linda Ronstadt personify its Central and South American descendants. Elliot Fisk, a pupil of the guitar maestro Andrés Segovia, and Ry Cooder respectfully contribute sparkling riffs. "Dublin in Vigo," a live track with joyous playing and a high-spirited ambiance, is merely one highlight of many. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful music, February 19, 2001

By	G. Sawaged (Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is a terrific album by The Chieftains. A couple of reviewers have complained that it is not authentic Galician music. Well, if they would read the liner notes carefully they would discover that the cd is not meant to be a portrayal of authentic Galician music, although there are tracks that are. This is an album that traces Celtic roots. Spreading from Galicia to Ireland, Mexico, the Caribbean, and through Central and South America. On this album you will hear music from Galicia, Ireland, Brittany, Scotland, Mexico and Cuba. But all have some Galician connections. So of course, if you are looking for "authentic" Galician, of course this is not for you. But if you are looking for wonderful music, played on unusual instruments, then this is for you. For example, "Minho Waltz" probably of Portuguese origin, was discovered in an old manuscript in the museum at Pontevedra. It just makes this album all the more special, as it has great historical interest, and the booklet is filled with interesting facts and history.

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Santiago is enjoyable but not authentic, February 15, 1999

By A Customer

The CD Santiago by the Chieftans is an enjoyable listening for those not familiar with the Celtic music of Galicia, Spain. However, the experience listener or critic of traditional Galician music will find many flaws in this album, mostly with misleading presentation. I have read many web reviews on this album, and often it seems that the uniformed listeners believe that all of the music on Santiago is authentic Galician music. It is not. The 1st 3 tracks on the disc are possibly the best. They are tunes from the Basque country and Asturias. Also the monastic chant is a very authentic and historical type of piece. But the latin-beat songs are nowhere near being representative of Galician music. One of those tracks is a Cuban song, with Cuban musicians. Another is a "butchered rendition" of a beautiful traditional song "A Rianxeira". Los Lobos and Linda Rondstat (who sings very poorly in Galician) turn a typical piece into an irrelevant tune with a Mexican sound. In summary, this is an interesting CD, but I recommend *strongly* a band called Milladoiro if you want a real taste of Spain's Celtic music.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic Sound, September 8, 2002

By	Ed Luhrs (Long Island, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Some have berated the Chieftains for not remaining "pure" and sticking to their roots. Why I am not certain. Some of the collaborations have been outstanding, including Santiago. This is an album to cherish, as the northwest of Spain - Galicia and its capital Santiago de Compostela - have an ancient Celtic historical connection. Some online critics have asked if this album truly captures that overall connection. I sense that it sincerely does, and if not, who cares? This sound they've created here creates its own history through its depth of feeling, its energy, and its vision. I recommend it wholeheartedly as a masterpiece among their collaborations, and another gem to check out is Celtic Wedding, in which the Chieftains collaborate with musicians from Brittany. Fire in the Kitchen with Canadian musicians is terrific. Or, if you are looking for a pure Irish collaboration, Water from the Well is fantastic. The Chieftains have plenty to choose from their own catalogue of just-Chieftains-stuff, and it's all good, including the currently out of print Chieftains 5. Thing is, I don't question Paddy Moloney on his work with other musicians. He and the boys have a broad spirit that accepts and celebrates great music of all kinds. Plus, any man who can make his fortune playing a tin whistle and uilleann pipes has a good thing going for him. I'm sure his band mates would agree! Some of their collaborations aren't so inspiring. Santiago is a firecracker. You can play this one from start to finish, as every song here is a reason to rejoice.