Celtic Dawn

Product Description
An instrumental collection of traditional Irish folk music. Subtle bird and other nature sounds mixed into the background.

Tracks:

Pulstar
Hymne
Main Theme From The 'Chariots Of Fire'
Main Theme From The 'Missing'
Love Theme From 'Blade Runner'
End Titles From 'Blade Runner'
The Tao Of Love
Theme From 'Antartica'
Theme From 'Cavafy'
Opening Titles From 'Mutiny On The Bounty'
Conquest Of Paradise
La Petite Fille De La Mer
L'Enfant
Alpha
Celtic Dawn
Movement 1 From 'Mythodea'
I'll Find My Way Home
State Of Independence

Album Description

18 remastered tracks including titles from 'Missing', 'Blade Runner', '1492 Conquest Of Paradise' & the Oscar-winning 'Chariots Of Fire', as well as 2 bonus tracks, 'I'll Find My Way Home' & 'State Of Independence'. Digipak. Universal. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2006-08-19

I like the music, but the sound quality is terrible. I bought this CD because it was released in 2003, but there is ZERO improvement in sound quality from previous older tracks.

Enough with the damn compilations!.......2005-06-11

First of all I like Vangelis very much. However I have had it with the way that his music is being released. We are consistently given compilation releases (usually of the same tracks that are on other releases). WHAT IS THE POINT????!!
All the more frustrating is that Vangelis has a ton of unreleased music that many fans like myself have been after for years. Sorry the bootlegs on Ebay just don't cut it.
Where's an official release of "Cavafy", "The Bounty", "Francesco", and "Bitter Moon". Where is all the still unreleased music from "1492", "Blade Runner", "Antarctica" and "Chariots of fire", yes he released soundtracks for these films but they were sadly lacking.
Unfortunately we will probably have to wait for Vangelis to demise before we ever get these tracks, if even then.

worth buying, has seven good Vangelis songs.......2005-05-25

Some may complain that this is not a definitive Vangelis CD. Nope, it is far from being that, but it has seven good songs on it that make it worth purchasing for less than $20. Those seven good songs are: Hymne, Alpha, Chariots of Fire, Missing, Pulsar, Petite Fille de la Mer, and L'enfant. Of course, those are just my personal favorites.

Excellent Overview of Vangelis' Best Known Songs.......2004-06-10

It's hard to keep track of the number of compilations of Vangelis. Off the top of my head, I can think of "The Best of", "Greatest Hits", "Themes", "Portraits", and "Reprise". But they never got it right, something was always off, or one period or another of his career was not covered. Now comes "Oddisey: The Definitive Collection". While it may be pushing your luck to proclaim anything as a Vangelis "definitive" compilation", given his prolific output over the years, I am here nevertheless to tell you that this compilation is as good as it will get.

"Oddisey: The Definitive Collection" (18 tracks, 78 min.) in my opinion truly does compile all of Vangelis' best know tracks and greatest hits. Most of the tracks on here will sound immediately familiar, many because they are movie themes (Chariots of Fire being the most famous of course, but also The Missing, Blade Runner, thankfully containing both the beginning and end titles, Mutiny on the Bounty, and others), and other that became well known in commercials (Hymne, L'Enfant, among others). There can be no denying the creativity and talents of Vangelis. There are 2 bonus tracks, "I'll Find My Way Home" and "State of Independence", the 2 best known tracks of Jon & Vangelis, a nice touch to the album.

I share my frustration with other reviewers here that there is tons of great Vangelis music out there that remains unreleased. To be sure, Vangelis deserves a box-treatment of rare and unreleased tracks. But if you are looking for a single-disk overview of his best known songs, look no further: "Oddisey" is it. Released in Fall, 2003, it is a nice way to commemorate Vangelis turning 60 (say it ain't so!).

Hip-O Records trying to make money from us.......2004-04-20

Hos this company dares to call this compilation definitive collection??? Bring something new and then I'll consider your work. Shame of you!!!

Average customer rating:

An absolutely brilliant cd!
A bright and beautiful recording!
Excellent display of the Scottish fiddle.
A 'MUST HAVE' piece of music!
A "must have" CD!

Dawn Dance
Alasdair Fraser
Manufacturer: Culburnie Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Scottish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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Skyedance
Fire & Grace
Return to Kintail
The Road North
Legacy of the Scottish Fiddle, Vol. 1: Classic Tunes

ASIN: B000001UIK
Release Date: 1996-05-21

Tracks:

First Light/Dawn Rant
Dawn Dance
Wooden Whale/Leaps & Bounds/Skye Barbeque
Stratherrick
Funky 105
Rain On Rannoch
Common Ground
Eilidh's Frolic
Sally Mo Ghradh
Independence Trail/Galen's Arrival
Pamala Rose Grant
Free Rein
Theme For Scotland

Customer Reviews:

An absolutely brilliant cd!.......2005-01-09

While I have enjoyed the sound of the fiddle for many years, I have been clueless as to where to find good recordings. So many albums focus more on the other instruments and the fiddle gets lost in the background. After reading the reviews for this cd I decided to take a chance... and I'm sure glad I did! While there are multiple instruments involved in each piece, it is easy to distinguish each instrument (and clearly hear the beautiful fiddling!). Alasdair Fraser plays with amazing skill and emotion. Since purchasing this cd, I've also picked up a few of his other cds, and can definitely say that this one is the best.

My personal preference in this type of music is for quick-paced, happy melodies - track 3, 8 and 12 deliver exactly what I'm looking for. My ONLY criticism on this cd is the recording quality in a few little spots - every once in a while it sounds as if the track is ending (because the music gets so soft) when they're actually in the middle of the song. However, this is infrequent enough that it doesn't really affect the enjoyment of the music.

A bright and beautiful recording!.......2000-05-30

With each successive recording, Alasdair Fraser takes Scottish fiddling to new areas, while remaining firmly rooted in tradition. This is his first recording solely devoted to his original compositions, but you would swear they were all traditional tunes if you didn't know he composed them. The lineup of musicians for this album worked so well together, they decided to become a touring band; Skyedance. Fraser's composing is as great as his playing. The tunes touch many emotions, as does his heartfelt and technically brilliant fiddling. Now, reviews are supposed to be critical in the best sense of that word, and not be just advertisements, so in that spirit here is what I see as the album's only fault: It ends. Other than that, it's great!

Excellent display of the Scottish fiddle........1999-01-30

This CD is the best that Alasdair has released. If you are testing the waters, definately buy this CD before ourchasing others that he has produced.

A 'MUST HAVE' piece of music!.......1998-12-24

I fell upon Alasdair Fraser's music by accident and was immediately consumed with the talent and emotion of his superior playing. Adding the talent of the other musicians to this CD has made it one of my very favorite. I now have a collection of his music and would love to hear him playing live!

A "must have" CD!.......1998-12-19

Talented beyond compare.Alasdair Fraser's music tugs at your heart. It is full of emotional, beauty, and so inspiring. I have since purchased several of his other CD's and a video. He is the best in my opinion.

Average customer rating:

Some of their records have been better than this compilation of best ofs
Dè 's urrainn dhomh ràdh?
Best of Capercallie
Truly A "Best Of" Album
oh good god

Dusk Till Dawn: The Best of Capercallie
Capercaillie
Manufacturer: Valley
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Downriver
Crosswinds
Sidewaulk
Time to Fall
Time to Fall

ASIN: B00004UET7
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

Coisich A Ruin
Miracle of Being (Youth Remix)
The Tree
Ailein Duinn
Grace And Pride
The Whinney Hills Jigs
Claire In Heaven
Outlaws
Inexile (1998 Remix)
Seice Ruairidh
Kepplehall/25kts
Tobermory
Waiting For The Wheel To Turn
Nils Si I nGra
Four Stone Walls
Dr. Macphail's Reel
Breisleach (Live)

Product Description

1. Coisich, A Ruin
2. Miracle Of Being, The - (Youth remix)
3. Tree, The
4. Ailein Duinn
5. Grace And Pride
6. Whinney Hills Jigs, The
7. Claire In Heaven
8. Outlaws
9. Inexile - (1998 remix)
10. Siece Ruairidth
11. Kepplehall gi25KTS
12. Tobermory
13. Waiting For The Wheel To Turn
14. Nil Si I Ngra
15. Four Stone Walls
16. Dr. MacPhail's Reel
17. Breisleach - (live)

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Some of their records have been better than this compilation of best ofs.......2005-08-15

Not so hot. They have so many good tunes in stock, which were not used on this that I wonder what the reason was...this CD does not to me, offer the best of Capercaillie. IMHO

Dè 's urrainn dhomh ràdh?.......2004-07-29

Cha bu mhath leam na h-òrain Shasannach, ach bha iad brèagha fhathast...agus na h-òrain Gàidhlig... ro-bhrèagha... uill, ceart gu leòr, chan urrainn dhaibh ro-bhrèagha a bhith! Chan eil seo gu h-uile rud, gu dearbh, ach tha mi ga mhailteann gu mòr! 'S "Ailein Duinn" as fheàrr leam; rinn Cairean Mhathanach gu h-àlainn leis; 's e Annag Chaimbeul a th'innte! Tuilleadh na Gàidhlige! Cùm a' Ghàidhlig beò!

Tha mi a' moladh an n-obair!

Best of Capercallie.......2003-06-16

I was pleased overall with this cd--it took awhile to grow on me, since it was sort of "dated" in its sound, and because it is more in the "euro-technopop" category on some songs than true Celtic. However, the traditional stuff is wonderful, and I like their use of other world rhythms blended to create their unique sound. A good buy!

Truly A "Best Of" Album.......2002-12-07

Having listened to Irish music for several years now I had bought but not bothered to listen to this particular Scottish band until recently. What a waste of several years! Like so many other reviewers have said I listen to this CD non-stop. I love each and every song and plan on getting more Capercaillie albums.

The cog that really makes Capercaillie work, I believe, is Karen Matheson's vocals. She sings equally well in Gaelic or English although I've read she prefers Gaelic. Her voice is stong and true yet she can put so much emotion into the words that you will be moved whether you understand what she is singing or not.

Of course the other band mambers are as important but I was especially pleased to discover an Irishman among the bunch (Manus Lunny) who's influence in some of the songs is unmistakable. It always helps, too, if an artist like Davy Spillane (Moving Hearts and solo artist) play uilleann pipes on a song or two. Another Irishman (and brother to Manus), Donal Lunny, helped Capercaillie produce an entire album from which songs like the beautiful but haunting "Breisleach (Live)" and the commentary "Waiting for the Wheel to Turn" came from.

"The Whinney Hills Jigs", "Kepplehall/25KTS" and "Dr MacPhail's Reel" are all instrumentals. The songs with English titles (except for "The Tree" and "In Exile") are sung in English and the rest are sung in Gaelic. While I don't know a lick of Gaelic, I still thoroughly enjoy the music and songs. If I ever become motivated to actually learn Gaelic (or at least Irish) I'll probably love this album even more -- if that's possible.

My very favorite songs are "Outlaws" and "Four Stone Walls" not only because of the upbeat music but also for the smart social remarks (and, of course, I can understand the words, LOL). And last, but not least, "Breisleach" for Karen's moving vocals.

Enjoy!

oh good god.......2002-08-14

my oh my. im just glad i survived it. it was a little shakey there for a bit... but i made it.

Average customer rating:

A nice sampling of the many moods of Solas
Very good musicians, but this leaves me cold
Full of the spirit of Ireland
Competent but Dull
Solas out do themselves this time

The Hour Before Dawn
Solas
Manufacturer: Shanachie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

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The Words That Remain
Sunny Spells & Scattered Showers
Edge of Silence
Another Day
Waiting for an Echo

ASIN: B00004Y9VH
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

Bheadh Buachaillin Deas Ag Sile
Granny Quinn's/The Lilac Reel/Sporting Pat
Last Of The Great Whales
A Little Child
A Miner's Life
What's Up With Win/Sonny Brogan's/Cahal's Jig
When My Love And I Parted
Homeless
Boy/Girl Tune
Bruach Na Carraige Baine
Bonnie Mae
The New Custom House/The Flavor Of The Month/The Tinkers Daughter/Dogs Among The Bushes/Pinch Of Snu
I Will Remember You

Amazon.com

Solas have become one of the world's most exciting Celtic bands by combining a respect for tradition with an adventurous musical spirit. On their fourth CD, The Hour Before Dawn, they gently stretch the boundaries of Irish music by adding new instrumental textures and more sophisticated harmonies. Led by Seamus Egan's flute and banjo, the band whips through the sets of dance tunes with authority and style. John Doyle continues to expand the vocabulary of Irish rhythm guitar while laying down a solid beat that lets the melodies of fiddler Winifred Horan and accordionist Mick McAuley soar. But as good as the instrumentals are, the songs with vocals are where Solas truly shine. The band's new lead singer, Dierdre Scanlan, has replaced Karan Casey, who left to pursue a solo career. Scanlan is equally adept on ancient ballads like "When My Love and I Parted," where she is accompanied only by Horan's violin, and contemporary songs like "I Will Remember You," which Egan cowrote with Sarah McLachlan. She has an earthy voice that reminds us that despite the band's instrumental prowess, the roots of Irish music are in song. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

A nice sampling of the many moods of Solas.......2004-01-01

From rousing sets of traditional dances to wistful laments and jazzed-up folk songs, Solas offers pleasant listening all around on this album. There is a light, gentle, intimate quality to their presentation and choice of material, not to mention a subtle intricacy in their arrangements. Traditional Celtic motifs are deftly interwoven with elements of folk, jazz, rock and pop, resulting in delightful little musical twists all throughout the album that are unexpected but somehow seem utterly right. Solas features Winifred Horan on fiddle, Seamus Egan on a plethora of instruments including flutes and guitars, Mick McAuley on accordion, guitarist John Doyle, and the clear, clean, honest lead vocals of Dierdre Scanlan. My favorite track on "The Hour Before Dawn" is the extremely haunting and poignant "Homeless", but the exotic "Boy/Girl Tune" is quite cool too, "A Miner's Life" is well-put and the traditional dance sets on tracks 2 and 6 are lively and fun. The spare, intriguing harmonies on "When My Love and I Parted" and "A Little Child" deserve mention too--not what I'd expected to find on a Celtic album, but very nice all the same and good example of how well this group combines diverse musical elements with seamless elegance. To experience an edgier, more intense side of this band, try their subsequent release, "The Edge of Silence". If you enjoy the musical stylings of Solas, you may also like the American folk group Trapezoid, in such albums as "Moon Run" and "Remembered Ways", or the work of fellow Celtic artists Silly Wizard, embodying the style of a decade or so earlier but with a similarly gentle sense of grace and soulfulness.

Very good musicians, but this leaves me cold.......2003-01-17

Let me preface this by saying I am a big fan of traditional Irish music, and a huge fan of Dervish, Trian, Liz Carroll, Bothy Band, Kevin Burke, Andy Irvine, etc. This is the first Solas CD I have bought, and will probably be the last. Although generally very competently played, the music just doesn't speak to me. I agree with the some of the other reviews to that effect that this Solas recording is too highly orchestrated, and not very traditional (though I don't mind that, per se). In my opinion "Last of the Great Whales" has some of the lamest and simple-minded lyrics I've ever heard. Though she has a very pleasing voice, Ms. Scanlon's rendition of it just fails to move me whatsoever (lacking in musicality, I believe one reviewer said). In my book her renditions just don't compare to Mary Black, Susan McKeown, or Karan Casey, though they are pleasant enough. The fiddle playing on "A Little Child" reminds me more of a classical violinist playing Irish music....very good tone, but too much vibrato, and too orchestrated with multiple violin tracks sounding like the London Philharmonic (e.g. When My Love & I Parted). On the positive side, there is some excellent guitar, flute, and button accordian playing on here (e.g. Cahil's Jig). It's as if the band is trying too hard to distance themselves from the many other traditional Irish groups, with the result that the arrangements are overly complex, and the material just isn't that interesting.

Full of the spirit of Ireland.......2002-12-06

Ranging from lively jigs and reels ("Granny Quinn's/The Lilac Reel") to the dreamy ("A Little Child") to the plaintive ("Last of the Great Whales"), with crystal-clear vocals and particularly good accompaniment, this group of five (three men, two women) is another I had never heard before buying the CD under consideration, so I can't compare it to their earlier outings, as others have done. But I don't need to hear them to know I'd like to. Though not (yet) my favorite Irish group, this one will definitely join my permanent collection.

Competent but Dull.......2002-03-08

A lot of people rave about this group and I tried real hard to like this by giving it repeated listenings but, I'm sorry, it just doesn't grow on me. A couple of the other reviewers of Solas' works have hit the nail on the head. This is a group of very competent musicians who perform flawless, note-for-note perfect renditions of traditional Irish songs with a few originals thrown in for good measure. They have a female singer with a beautiful voice perfectly suited to this type of music. So what's the problem? It's all a bit bland and boring. The performances are very smooth and polished, the production is cotton-candy-soft, and the musicians sound like they are sleepwalking; there is a total lack of energy, intensity, and passion in their playing. The musicians themselves sound like they're bored and just going through the motions, so why should the listener get excited? And it's all so nondistinctive; I've heard this all before. You can turn on National Public Radio on any Sunday afternoon and here numerous other groups that sound just like this. I much prefer groups who put their own stamp on songs and do something at least a little bit different with them. Even their softness and fluffiness aren't distinctive. I would only recommend this if you are looking for music to soothe you and relax you after a stressful day at work; this it will surely do.

Solas out do themselves this time.......2001-05-23

If this is your first time listening to Solas or if like me, you are a seasoned listener, you will love this album. Since 1996, Solas have been maturing as a band with each album and this is the culmination of both their tiredless efforts towards perfection and their coming of age. The firepower has not died but has become more and more intricate and complex. John Doyle continues to be a major driving force behind the music with his note perfect rhythms and unique style of playing. He is without doubt possibly the best traditional guitarist the world of trad music has ever seen. He lifts every tune to amazing peaks without once crossing the boundary into being over bearing.

Along with the firepower, you also have the delicate touch only Solas can add to the haunting slow airs and traditional songs. Where can Solas go from here? It really is hard to say but they certainly will remain in the annals of history long after their time for being the fore runners in merging the new with the old traditional styles without ever once losing respect for the core of the Tradition of the music. Bravo!! if this is the hour before dawn for solas, I can't wait to see what the dawn itself will be like!!

Horizons: Traditional Music from Around the World
Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Preview

Horizons: Traditional Music from Around the World

Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000001Q6H
Release Date: 1993-04-19

Tracks:

Macedonian Ceausescu
Death Of The Incas Dance Of The Coyas
Polska Lastringe Storpolska
Kalevala Melody/Morsiamen Hyvastijatto
The Dawn/McGovern's/Piper On Horseback/Bay Of Fundy/Stoney Point
Mr. Pantaleish/The Lemon Tree
Lost Child/Hunting For The Buffalo
Alborado/Desdenosa
Cascata De Lagrimas/The Straight Shot/Pepper Mountain

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Preview.......2000-11-14

For those of you not familiar w/ Helicon, they are a Baltimore based trio that specializes in spreading the joy and beauty of international music. The group consists of Chris Norman, a world renown wooden flute player (he does classical music as well), Ken Kolodner, an incredible hammer dulcimerist and fiddler who also happens to have a P.h.d, and Robin Bullock, a magnificent guitarist, citernist, and fiddler, who actually started out in rock music. Anyway, the group has since begun to explore other interests so they no longer tour together, but that doesnt mean that their music is dead. In fact, it is alive and well on this recording. Track 1 is played by Norman on a type of double barreled flute that makes it sound like 2 flutes are playing, creating a truly unique sound. The second half of track 1 has a much simpler beat, but is still just as pleasing to the ear. Track 2 is a pair of beautiful Peruvian pieces that begin w/ a simple hammer dulcimer rhythm, but eventually adds in complexity, until the texture is truly South American. Next, they move to Sweden, a country rich in its fiddling, and perform two polskas. Although this CD does these pieces justice, the way they perform them is even better (they move their bodies to accent the dynamic changes in a sort of call and respond manner). Track 5 finally gets to some of the traditional Irish and American reels that have begun to find its place in mainstream America nowadays. They certainly do celtic music justice. Next, "Mr. Pantaleish" is perhaps the most mysterious piece on this recording, and it is truly haunting. Track 7 returns to America, where they play an old American fiddle tune, and a tune that they learned from Freyda Epstein, a brilliant musician from Virginia. All in all, this is a great recording, and is only a preview of what this incredible trio would accomplish in the coming years that they toured together. You will notice that this recording almost sounds like there is a concert in your room, because the music is pure. There is only limited audio enhancing machines used which makes the music all that much better. I highly encourage anyone to buy this CD, and to also check out Helicon's recordings, as well as the member's solo efforts. You will never tire of this stuff.

Average customer rating:

5 Stars because you can't give ten
possibly the best disc I own
Lush and lovely music from the past

Carolan's Welcome
Anonymous , Turlough O'Carolan , and Carol Thompson
Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Peacock's Feather
The Faerie Isles

ASIN: B000001Q9O
Release Date: 1993-08-31

Tracks:

Da Day Dawn (Slow Air)
She Moves Through The Fair (Song)
The Wild Geese (After The Playing Of Micheal O Suilleabhain) (Slow Air)
The Blossom Of The Raspberry (Slow Air)
Continental Waltz In D Major
Gentle Annie (Slow Air)
Continental Waltz In G Major
The Drunken Gauger (Set Dance)
Carolan's Welcome (Air)
Jimmy's Return (Reel)
The Three Captains (Set Dance)
Home Ruler (Hornpipe)
Sean's Continental Waltzes: Waltz No.1 - Carol Thompson/Billy McComiskey/Jack Coen/Darcy Fair
Sean's Continental Waltzes: Waltz No.2 - Carol Thompson/Billy McComiskey/Jack Coen/Darcy Fair
The Burdened Old Man (Jig) - Carol Thompson/Billy McComiskey/Jack Coen/Darcy Fair
O'Carolan's Farewell To Music (Slow Air)
Lagan Love (Slow Air)
Black Rosebud (Slow Air)
An Phaidir (Song) - Carol Thompson/Billy McComiskey/Jack Coen/Darcy Fair
Snow On The Hills (Reel) - Carol Thompson/Billy McComiskey/Jack Coen/Darcy Fair
Carolan's Farewell To Music (After The Playing Of Maire Ni Cathasaigh) (Slow Air)

Customer Reviews:

5 Stars because you can't give ten.......2006-04-13

I usually don't even care for Celtic music, but this CD is one of my favorites out of all my CDs. I have lots of jazz, classical, and pop music, and almost no desire for folk music, but when I heard this I was transported. This album, and the album Timeless Jewish Songs (Shirim La'ad) by Martha Rock Birnbaum, mezzo soprano and Barbara Dechario, harp, are my two favorites of the whole collection on my shelf. Harp is the most ethereal instrument, and in the hands of a virtuoso, the harp *IS* heaven itself.

possibly the best disc I own.......2002-03-09

Many times in the past I have written of and reviewed the works of my favorite singers (Dougie MacLean and Rich Mullins). Indeed, they are great singers. Yet they have not captured the title of my favorite musician.

If someone were to ask me who I think the best musician for your money is (people might be lining up to do so somewhere, but if they are, I am not aware of it)--I would, without a pause or a doubt, say that it is Carol Thompson.

There is no music out there to compare with Mrs. Thompson's stuff. Nothing comes close to its beauty or its vision. "Carolan's Welcome" is an outstanding example of her skill and power as an artist.

I challenge you to find music this steeped in beauty. You will not. With its haunting title track and songs such as "Black Rosebud" and "She Moves Through the Fair," this disc is almost impossible to top.

I may be biased (I picked up my copy of the disc on my honeymoon), but I would even say there is a case to be made for "Carolan's Welcome" being Thompson's best disc.

"Carolan's Welcome" is one of the great jewels in my music collection. Few others have received as much play time on my stereo. Get this disc. I cannot urge you strongly enough. It is well worth the cost.

I give "Carolan's Welcome" my highest recommendation

Lush and lovely music from the past.......2000-01-20

Perhaps some day Dorian Recordings will turn out a poor CD, but among their more recent releases are four sets that feature harpist Carol Thompson. The artist was born in this country of Anglo-Welsh-Irish background (as the copywriter tells us). Part of her technique is to let her ornamentation come out of the melody rather than merely appending it, and to execute her chords with a "downward roll" rather than an upward as in classical harp playing.

So with Amazon.com's permission, I will submit this same write up to each of the four webpages that deal with these albums.

. (DOR-90013) has Ms. Thompson accompanied by another harpist and a wooden flute; and the extra coloration is welcome. Here we have 18 cuts (64 minutes) of Celtic harp music, the more familiar of which are "Brian Boru's March" and "Gentle Annie." The notes are of a general nature.

The subtitle of (DOR-90120) shows the program (53 minutes) to be much like the other sets, including the familiar "All Through the Night" and "The Ash Grove." I spot even one or two selections among the 19 here that appeared on earlier recordings. But it is all so winningly played that one must not carp. The notes are in several languages and a bit shorter than usual to keep the booklet from being too thick.

(DOR-90176) has 71 minutes consisting of 21 cuts such as "She Moves Through the Fair" and "Snow on the Hills." This set tends to be more satisfactory than the last one because of the presence of accordion, concertina, wooden flute and second harp; although by now one tune is starting to blur into the other.

The fourth Dorian set in order of recording is (DOR-90240) in which our harpist goes it alone with a short program (51 minutes) of 12 cuts, half of which are medleys. Included are "Twisting of the Rope," "Blind Mary" and the title song. This time the notes give information about each song.

Again I must emphasize the excellence of the playing and how beautiful each CD is by itself. But as with so many artists that concentrate on a small part of the music spectrum, each new offering tends to be predictable and one gets a strong feeling of déjà vu. But to be fair, these sets were released with considerable time between them and only people like reviewers now and then get to hear them all at once.

So which to choose? I would go for the two where you get more than the sound of a single harp first. But I really think that enthusiasts of British music will want to have all of these sets sooner or later.

Tracks:

Ductu Angelico - Altramar Medieval Music Ensemble
O Mirum Admirandum - Altramar Medieval Music Ensemble
Bugga Fee Hoosa - The Baltimore Consort
Girls, Have You Seen George? - The Baltimore Consort
Toss The Feathers - The Baltimore Consort
The Fairy Dance - The Baltimore Consort
The Green Gates - Robin Bullock
Tam Lin - Robin Bullock
The Silver Spire - Robin Bullock
Cuimhne An Phiobaire/The Misty Maids Of Galway/The Absent Minded Woman - Ensemble Galilei
The Devil And The Farmer's Wife - Roger Landes & Connie Dover, Et. Al.
The Dawn/McGovern's /Piper On Horseback/Bay Of Fundy/Stoney Point - Helicon
Lament For Owen Rua - Carol Thompson
Mild Mabel Kelly - Chatham Baroque & Chris Norman
Daniel Kelly - Chatham Baroque & Chris Norman
Castle Kelly - Chatham Baroque & Chris Norman
Captain Kelly - Chatham Baroque & Chris Norman
Lovely Willy - Custer LaRue & Chris Norman
Sandy's Dilemma/Coalminer's/Monaghan Twig - Greenfire
Guitar Reels - John Whelan
Yonder Westwards, Is The Road She Went - John Whelan
Carolan's Welcome - Billy McComiskey
Continental Waltz In D Major - Carol Thompson
The Rakes Of Kildare - Carol Thompson
The Mist Covered Mountain - Carol Thompson
Lad O'Bierne's - Carol Thompson

Pagan Dawn: The Selected Music of Medwyn Goodall

Average customer rating:

[Untitled]

Pagan Dawn: The Selected Music of Medwyn Goodall
Medwyn Goodall
Manufacturer: New World Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Album Description

label: NEW WORLD PRODUCTIONS release date: 01 January 1998

Customer Reviews:

[Untitled].......2003-04-30

Medwyn Goodall's "Pagan Dawn" is an an album that showcases to the maximum the beauty of Celtic trance music. It incorporates vivid instrumentals with vibrant natural sounds and is one of the most relaxing albums I've encountered to date. "Pagan Dawn" is wonderful for meditation and for reflection. I recommend this album to anyone with an ear willing to listen and a mind willing to accept. It is beautiful.

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Colours of the Dawn
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