Showing posts with label celtic women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celtic women. Show all posts

Celtic Ladies (Dig) Review

Celtic Ladies (Dig)
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If you like Celtic music, you will love this. These songs are beautiful. It has great vocals. I would recommend it to anyone.

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Celtic Woman - The Greatest Journey: Essential Collection (2008) Review

Celtic Woman - The Greatest Journey: Essential Collection (2008)
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Yes, it is basically just clips from the other Celtic Woman DVDs, BUT the documentary ALONE is worth buying.
If you are a big Celtic Woman fan you will really want this. The hour long "The Story So Far" Documentary is fantastic, and a great behind-the-scenes look at how Celtic Woman all came about, and the girls' thoughts about it so far. Great interviews with all of the girls, and a great view of how they interact with each other. I really loved this documentary, and to me, it is what makes this DVD worth the cost. Plus, this is a great DVD if you are looking to share the magic of Celtic Woman with someone else who is not familiar with them. It really goes through all the great hits and well-loved songs. They've added in some beautiful shots of Ireland in between the songs and they do compliment the music so well!
As for new stuff, CW will be filming a new DVD this summer, so be on the look out for that.
Long live Celtic Woman, and bring on the Spring 2009 tour!!!!!

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Companion DVD to Celtic Woman, The Greatest Journey: Essential Collection (CD) includes a very special intimate behind-the-scenes documentary.

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A Woman's Heart: A Decade On Review

A Woman's Heart: A Decade On
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A Woman's Heart 1 and 2 introduced me to a number of wonderful Celtic artists, most notably Dolores Keane. (Like "Mary29" I was also prompted to go out and buy as many of her CD's as I could find.) Though I thoroughly enjoyed all of the songs on "A Decade On" I was completely blown away by "Mystic Lipstick" (written by Christy Moore and sung here by Maura O'Connell), quite possibly the most hauntingly beautiful song I've ever heard. I have to believe the woman in this song is actually Ireland ... "She keeps fools for counsel, she keeps the wig and gown. The cloth and the bloody warfare, the stars and stripes and crown. And still we pray for a better day now, God willing it's for the best. But I've just seen the harp on the penny with a dollar on (...)." The imagery and heartbreak of the lyrics are conveyed perfectly by Maura O'Connell's beautiful interpretation and voice. Worth every penny for this song alone, this is one CD that I'm going to be playing over and over. (And I'll soon be having some Maura O'Connell CD's to keep my Dolores Keane CD's company :-)

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Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration (2007) Review

Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration (2007)
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The lovely and all so talented young women from the Emerald Isle have once again achieved perfection. The long awaited Christmas DVD "A Christmas Celebration" is finally out and is it ever a treat for the whole family! Shot in Dublin, back in July just three weeks after the show completed a wildly successful five month concert tour of the US performing the "A New Journey" show. Dazzling in the most beautiful gowns and lovely stage settings Orla, Lisa, Chloe, Mairead and Meav (making her farewell appearance, sorry that's what we're told) breath new life into many of our favorite Christmas classics. Backed by the world famous Irish Film Orchestra, the Celtic Woman band and choir,
the ensemble entertain to the max!
A few of the highlights, and beleive me there are many- White Christmas: Chloe, Lisa and Meav, The Little Drummer Boy: duet by Orla and Chloe, Oh Holy Night: ensemble, Away in a Manger: Orla, The Christmas Song: Lisa, O Come All Ye Faithful: ensemble, Let It Snow: ensemble, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas: ensemble, The First Noel: ensemble, The Christmas Song: Lisa and many more.
These very gifted young women blew this writer away with their first concert and they just keep getting better and better. The "A New Journey" live at Slane Castle is from all aspects a perfect music video yet the "A Christmas Celebration" takes perfection to a higher level. With the great success the show is having the girls appear to be having more fun than ever if that's possible. We'll really miss Meav, her wonderful voice, charm and grace is irreplaceable and we hope she can rejoin the show somewhere down lifes road.

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Christmas Celebration Review

Christmas Celebration
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Thanks to Public Broadcasting, the musical quintet CELTIC WOMAN has quite a fan base. It's easy to see why. They are pleasing performers who perform beautiful music together. They have their own sound which has a broad appeal. This makes the group natural candidates for a Christmas collection that will be loved not just by fans but anyone who loves holiday music. This collection does not disappoint.
Most of the tracks in this collection are traditional Christmas titles both religious to the secular. The temptation of many performers is to just sing some Christmas songs and hope for the best. CELTIC WOMAN does the opposite. There is a true ensemble approach to the music and we never get a sense of competition or jealousy. The carols are performed with reverence and the contemporary songs are pleasant. The authentic Celtic music and selections from the British Isles are perhaps the strongest in the collection. There is a distinct Celtic sound where appropriate including the beautiful violin (fiddle) playing of group member Mairead Nesbitt, but numbers where a Celtic flair would be out of place are performed traditionally with wonderful arrangements. The selections are varied, so it should be enjoyed by just about anyone who loves holiday music.
My guess is that fans of CELTIC WOMAN will not need a review to convince them to purchase this CD. For those who may not be familiar with this ensemble, if you're looking for a varied Christmas CD with beautiful music and wonderful arrangements that will both entertain and sooth, then CELTIC WOMAN: A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION fits the bill. I'm sure it will be a popular holiday release this year and in many years to come.


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No Description Available
Track: 10: Panis Angelicus,
Track: 11: Don Oiche Ud I Mbeithail That Night In Bethehem,
Track: 12: O Comes All Ye Faithful,
Track: 13: The Little Drummer Boy,
Track: 14: The Wexford Carol,
Track: 15: Let It Snow Bonus Tracks,
Track: 1: O Holy Night,
Track: 2: Away In A Manger,
Track: 3: Ding Dong Merrily On Hight,
Track: 4: White Christmas,
Track: 5: Silent Night,
Track: 6: Christmas Pipes,
Track: 7: The Christmas Song,
Track: 8: Carol Of The Bells,
Track: 9: Have Yourself A Merry Little ChristmasMedia Type: CDArtist: CELTIC WOMANTitle: CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONStreet Release Date: 10/03/2006

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A New Journey Review

A New Journey
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Celtic Woman is back in a refreshing new album, rivaling, if not surpassing, their previous work. Once again, recurring themes of nature, destiny, history, heritage and love are infused with Celtic melodies to make this music timeless and classic. And don't discount the fantastic arrangement by David Downes. His genius is clearly exhibited in the orchestral and choral background for the songs, as well as song selection.
Describing this music is a hopeless task; if the words were sufficient, we wouldn't need the music. But I'll try.
1. The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun:
Begins with the lush, evocative strains of mystery and exotic nostalgia as only Celtic styles can weave. The music is enriched as the five vocals (Chloë, Órla, Lisa, Méav and newcomer Hayley) join their voices into a spectacular blossoming melody of morning and dawn, of newness and awakening.
In a musical interlude, the wondrous violinist Máiréad takes charge with her rapturous performance. To listen to her is not enough. To fully understand her talent (indeed, the talent of the entire group) you have to buy the DVD or catch a viewing on PBS. Máiréad is a fleet-footed fairy similar to J.R.R. Tolkien's character Tinuviel. She dances and darts about the stage, bounding from one end to the other, flinging her flaxen hair to and fro, kicking up her heels. All the while she is playing, her hands moving almost faster than the human eye can follow, sawing the bow across the strings, eliciting fast-paced melodies beyond the scope of human imagination. There is almost a devilish glint of innocent mischief in her eyes and smile as she dances.
In short, the first song is the perfect opening track to reintroduce us to the Celtic Woman reverie.
2. The Prayer
A song that fits its name; a simple prayer for guidance and aid. Chloë's voice has clearly matured since the previous album.
3. Newgrange
As with "Harry's Game" from the previous album, the mystical, foreboding songs are entrusted to Órla's voice, the deepest of the group. In this case, the song is of a secret place filled with the memory of heroic kings and druids.
4. Over The Rainbow
The classic song is given a unique "a cappella" interpretation by all of the vocals sans Lisa. I've never been particularly fond of the piece, but the group does an excellent, almost lullaby-like rendition of the song, worth repeating.
5. Granuaile's Dance
A solo performance by Máiréad that is half traditional Irish music, half lively dancing music.
6. The Blessing
Solo by Lisa, a soft, simple song of love and devotion, blessings imparted to one's significant other.
7. Dúlaman
A song dominated by percussion and something we haven't heard much of before, male-dominant background vocals and even a brief male solo. Otherwise, the song is a solo by Méav in Gaelic. The translation has something to do with Irish seaweed and courtship. Don't expect to make much sense of it; just sit back and enjoy.
8. Beyond The Sea
A far more ethereal rendition of the song frequently appearing in movies such as Finding Nemo or Apollo 13. Possibly the best version I've yet heard, speaking to future love and rest from one's weary travels.
9. The Last Rose of Summer
Hayley's first solo, this is Thomas Moore's poem set to music. The arrangement is more operatic and classical than Celtic.
10. Caledonia
One of the top three on the CD. It is another solo from Lisa, and there is just something about this song you just can't put your finger on. It is filled with warmth, love and romance, and the higher calling of "Caledonia" (the romanticized name for Scotland).
11. Laschia Ch'io Pianga
Another operatic solo from Hayley, the song is somewhat repetitive and the melody is monotonous. (Blame Handel.) Probably one of the more uninteresting tracks. It does not even correspond to the sadness that the translated lyrics suggest. It's still good, just not phenomenal.
12. Carrickfergus
A quiet ballad from Órla (accompanying herself on the harp), a nostalgic song of bygone days in the Irish town of Carrickfergus.
13. Vivaldi's Rain
Another very classical piece sung by Chloë. The song is translated as a prayer to the Lord for guidance, but this time because the singer has fallen in love.
14. The Voice
One of the most hauntingly beautiful, fast-paced tracks of the CD, "The Voice" speaks to the past of Ireland. Transcending time, "the voice" is of nature, of history, of both past, present and future, with all the sadness and glories of both. Hence, the song is both promising and melancholy. With the mournful violin and the harsh percussion mixed with Lisa's crystal clear voice, there's no denying this is one of the top songs of the album.
15. Scarborough Fair
A decidedly unhappy song, it is the third solo exceptionally performed by Hayley. She has clearly earned her place in the group. The song is abbreviated from the original, which is a woebegone tale of sundered lovers.
16. Mo Ghile Mear
"Now the time has come to leave / Keep the flame and still believe / Know that love will shine through darkness / One bright star to light the wave."
An excellent closing song performed by the entire group, consisting of both English and Gaelic lyrics, a song of happy farewell much resembling "The Soft Goodbye" from the previous album.
In closing, let me just say, there's a reason this group has spent more than a year on the top of the world record charts. Their music transcends individual styles. The arrangements are appealing. In the performers, talent is manifested in celestial voices and radiant countenance. You're out of excuses. Buy the album. Or the deluxe. Still further, buy the DVD.

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Celtic Woman Review

Celtic Woman
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I recently discovered Celtic Woman courtesy of my local PBS station that aired their performance that is already out on dvd. I just fell in love the mix of classical and celtic music. What really struck me was the clarity of the women's vocals were. Lisa, Chloe, Meav, and Orla sang with great restraint and did not go down the Celine Dion route and oversing each high note known to mankind. While I do think that Lisa and Meav has the strongest set of pipes, it does not mean that I think Chloe and Orla has thin, weak vocals. I just thought Lisa and Meav's vocals really stood out for me.
My most personal favorite song on the album is the gorgeous ballad "Someday" from Disney's "Hunchback of Notre Dame". I was truly moved by Chloe's performance when I saw her sing it on the PBS special. That song along is why I bought this cd. It is a beautiful song that sends chills down my spine every time I listen to it. Chloe also does a stunning job on "Walking in the Air". It is quite a contrast from the heavy metal version by Nightwish. Another favorite song is "Harry's Game" sung by Orla. Her vocals on this song also gives me the chills. I am so glad that "Si Do Mhaimeo i (The Wealthy Widow)" was included on the cd. It is one of my favorite songs from the PBS special. A very playful song. I wish I knew what the english translation were. Another favorite highlight for me on this album is their version of "You Raise Me Up". That really made the hair on my arms stand up tall. It really moved me emotionally, more so than Josh Groban's version. What I found rather interesting about the recorded version and the live version on the PBS special is that the recorded version sounded like it was sung strictly by Meav while the credits listed Meav, Lisa, Chloe and Orla. If you listened to this cd as much as I have (which is a few times a day), you can easily recognize Meav's delicate soprano vocals.
I wish that the cd also included Enya's "Marble Halls" and Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring". They were simply breathtaking. Other than that, I loved this entire cd. There was not a single song that I didn't like or felt should have been left out. I look forward to hearing more music from the women of Celtic Woman.

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Celtic Woman: Songs From The Heart (2010) Review

Celtic Woman: Songs From The Heart (2010)
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Like some other Celtic Woman fans I noticed that Alex's rendition of 'You'll Be In My Heart' (apparently some other numbers also) are not listed on the DVD to be released in January and that's a crying shame because she really lights up the venue. It is one of the very best numbers on the PBS version. I would suggest that everyone who feels the entire concert should be included do what I did and send EMI an email voicing your concern over some music mogul cutting tracks from the DVD. They won't listen to one complaint but a few thousand (or million) might change their minds. This show is Celtic Woman's best to date and EMI shouldn't snip dingle it to death by giving Lynn and Alex the short end on solos.
David A. Henderson
Saint Louis, MO
EMI says the reason some tracks are deleted from the DVD is they don't have publishing clearances(Lawyers!...ya gotta love 'em.)Others were cleared for TV broadcast only. Great!! That really makes me feel better...Heh.
Jan 31 UPDATE: Having now received the DVD I must eat some crow which will, no doubt, delight Tim Bowen. It appears the DVD may have actually been processed by Elmer Fudd since the video quality is really poor for a digital product, especially as the camera pulls back, AND is not on a par with the Other 4 CW DVDs. I am in agreement with other reviewers on this point. It may be my tin ear but the audio was fine once I set it to the 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround option. The sound on all 5 CW DVDs will threaten to shake the paint off your walls if you don't back the volume off a bit before turning them on. Once I got the volume balanced between what was coming out of my TV's speakers (a big screen Samsung HDTV) and what was coming through my Sony Surround system the audio was fine. The performance is still a 5+ but the DVD itself is about a 1 because of the poor video quality.

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Track Listing:1. The Call 2. Fields of Gold 3. When You Believe 4. The Coast of Galiçia 5. The New Ground - Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears 6. Non C\'è Piú 7. True Colours 9. Galway Bay 10. Goodnight My Angel 11. O, America! 12. Níl Sé\'n Lá 13. The Last Rose Fantasia 14. The Moon\'s a Harsh Mistress 15. My Lagan Love 16. Amazing Grace 17. Pie Jesu 18. Slumber My Darling / The Mason\'s Apron 19. Danny Boy 20. You Raise Me Up 21. Finale / Mo Ghile Mear

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Songs From The Heart Review

Songs From The Heart
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Those expecting another CW album shouldn't be disappointed with this one. As usual, this CD offers the same vocal styling one comes to expect from these fine ladies. Only "complaint" is that some of these songs don't sound the same as they do in the broadcast version. Also, some of the instrumentals (specifically the Isle of Hope track) don't match what most saw in their performance. Not a huge thing but something I did notice when listening to some of these tracks.

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The international Irish music phenomenon, Celtic Woman, is renowned for singing inspirational melodies and heartwarming songs that stir fans of all ages and cultures.The 5 member Irish female ensemble (vocalists Chloe, Lisa, Alex, Lynn and Celtic Violinist Mairead) under the musical direction of David Downes, categorically defined a distinct genre by putting a modern twist on the Celtic sound.In just four short years, the group has played nine US tours, released 4 CDs, 4 DVDs and performed for close to 1 million concert-goers.The group's albums have held the #1 position on the World Music Chart while their four PBS TV specials have dominated the broadcast circuit.As a testament to the group's ability to cross musical and cultural boundaries, 2009 saw Celtic Woman perform on ABC's Dancing With The Stars singing for 23 million viewers and at the White House for The National Christmas Tree Lighting before President Obama and his family.A true celebration of Ireland, Celtic Woman's unforgettable signature style can be enjoyed by all on their brand-new PBS TV special, concert tour, CD and DVD- Songs from the Heart.

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