Search - Bothy Band :: Out of the Wind Into the Sun

From the Oyster Comes the Pearl

Lefty O'doul | 08/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though "Out of the Wind" lacks the raw power of the the first Bothy Band record, its weaker moments are superceded by standout performances. "The Blackbird" as rendered initially by Paddy Keenan's pipe solo is immediately haunting like the opening statement of a grand raga - and continues to build. This is my favorite rendering of this classic. Triona O'Domhnaill's ballad-singing has never been so affecting as her "Factory Girl" and "Streets of Derry". "The Strayaway Child" is a great longer jig ala Kevin Burke's fiddle which gathers great momentum - showing off his flowing trance-like style. It may not be as immediately riveting as Tommy Peoples but takes slow-but-sure hold as is apparent here. "The Maids of Mitchelstown" is an unusual, beautiful song that features Matt Molloy's flute. If you love the Bothy Band you'll be amply rewarded by the handful of masterpieces here."

My personal favorite

Lefty O'doul | 05/21/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are those who swear that the Bothy Band went downhill after the first album. I'm not one of them: although the band's sound lost some of its "edge" with the early departure of Tommy Peoples, their subsequent albums contain consistently outstanding performances by the best traditional (but innovative) musicians of their generation. This album contains my two favorite tracks: a classic version of "The Strayaway Child" featuring Kevin Burke's fiddling, and a slow rendition of "The Maids of Mitchelstown" with heartbreakingly lovely harmonies and a flute solo by Matt Molloy that (IMHO) is one of the best performances he ever recorded. (After you've picked yourself up off the floor, listen to it a second time for his phrasing.) Enjoyable all the way through."

If this doesn't speed up your pulse, nothing will

Joanie Livermore | 10/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an electrifying album, evocative of ancient Celtic mists drifting across the heather as well as a dizzying reel at the end of a night's festivities. All tracks are fabulous. I recommend it to anyone who appreciates this genre."