Search - David Arkenstone :: Spirit of Ireland

Welcome back to Eireann!

John Rossi | Somers Point, NJ United States | 08/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me say before I write anything more that my introduction to the work of David Arkenstone was his 1998 album "The Celtic Book Of Days" and I loved it. Several others followed (Music Ispired By Middle Earth and Avalon: A Celtic Legend) All were beautiful but I did not come to write about them. Now, David has returned to Ireland with this CD and really does manage to capture her spirit in this lovely collection of works. He hsd outdone himself here.One thing I love about this music is that every instrument when you hear it rings out loud and crisp and clear, from delicate harp and ocassional piano to soaring flutes and whistles to lovely stringwork and the pounding beat of the bodhran (the Celtic goatskin drum). The instrumentation is very nice here. VERY nice indeed.Over The Hills- As is fitting for the beginning track, this starts off slowly with a kind of mystical feel, then picks up with bodhran drumming and heavy use of the violin or fiddle. It really does give you a feel of galloping thorough lush meadows on horseback, perhaps seeing mountains in the distance. At least it did for me.The Fairy Ring- This piece is fast too. Fairly fast to me anyway. It has the same energy as Over The Hills, but to me it feels more like a celebration. It seems to suggest a festive or mystical dance, rather than the beginning of an epic adventure or battle.The Shore Of Kinsale- There is only one word for this track. BEAUTIFUL. Soaring whistles and flute and absolutely lovely violin work capture the spirit of Ireland with a great emotional tug. When I envsion the natural beauty of Ireland in my head, I usually imagine hearing a tune like this.Cherish Ladies- No this is not a tribute to the famous all female Irish band. This is another festive peice that is sort of mid-range as far as tempo goes. When I hear it, I envision either lovely lasses dancing in a circle, or a big clan gathering where everybody is happy to be home.The Festival- This is easily the fastest cut on the album, with driving bodrhan, strings and violin work and some other instruments too. It's party time, get on your dancing shoes, you don't want to miss the fun. That's what this track is. Fun and playful and happy. I actually found myself smiling and chuckling to it and at it, but in a GOOD way. It's funny and happy and playful without being silly or goofy. It's a great track and just plain fun to hear.Shadows Of The Myst- This is easily the most distinctive cut on the CD. It is performed mostly with keyboard effects, some of which sound vaguely choral in nature to me, and lovely plucked or strummed string work. It captures a mystical feeling of awe and wonder, rather than the festive feel of the earlier pieces on the CD.Song Of The Selkie- Like the Shore Of Kinsale, there is only one word for this piece to me. It's lovely.Morning Ride- This piece is great and struck a very emotional chord for me. It is lighthearted and airy, almost noble-sounding. It does not invoke the feeling of a raucous horse race or adventure as Over The Hills did for me. Rather, when I hear this a picture an Irish Cheiftain or king out in the meadows with his queen or Lady as they enjoy a leisurely morning ride together out over the meadows, glens, and lakes of thier home. Nice and relaxing and very emotional. I love it.Call Of The Sea- This a yet another excellent peice of work. For me it does a perfect job of capturing the beauty of the Irish coast and the loneliness of a sailor's life, but also the love a man or woman might feel towards the ocean if they spent their lives on or around it.Farewell To Coolman- As the opener of the CD "Over The Hills" was fast and adenturous, this tune, the closer, is slow, stately, and a bit somber. It is reverent and has a noble sound with a touch of sadness in it. It is for me a very emotional piece that makes me envision the clans of Ireland saying a tender and loving farewell to one of their own, perhaps like a a noble king who has been slain after a valiant effort in an epic and heroic battle. In short, this tribute to Ireland in music is a grand one. It really does capture her beautiful and majestic spirit, and it does her justice. Give it a shot. You just might love it like I do. God bless you all. Always. Thanks for reading this review. Peace. :)"

BEAUTIFUL........

W. G. Ellis | MORROW , GEORGIA | 04/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WITH BOTH MY PARENT'S FAMILIES FROM SCOTLAND, I HAVE BECOME VERY INTERESTED IN THE MUSIC OF THE HIGHLANDS AND IRELAND. THE MUSIC
IS ALIKE IN MANY WAYS. BUT MAINLY IT IS BEAUTIFUL.THIS CD, AS ALL DAVID ARKENSTONE CDS, IS WONDERFUL. HE IS ONE OF
THE MOST GIFTED COMPOSER/PRODUCER/MUSICIANS ALIVE TODAY. EVERY
THING HE DOES IS WONDERFUL AND WITHOUT EQUAL.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GODD IRISH MUSIC."

Falls a little flat

Shannon Sims | CT | 08/29/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The music in this Arkenstone collection is good, but not great. He instrumental pieces don't achieve "sweeping", more "flying around". The slow "vocal" ones also fall flat, missing etherial but hitting pretty. All in all, it's nice to listen to, but not moving. If you're expecting an Arkenstone collection with a strong theme or story, as some of his other work has provided, you won't find it here. I wouldn't throw it out, but I'd try listening to it at the library first before purchasing."