Search - Dervish :: Spirit

It's finally here!

Jung Won Kim | PA USA | 02/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard Dervish at the Cambridge Folk Festival and had to buy this CD, which was out in the UK nearly 2 years before being released here in the US. From then, I have worked backwards through the Dervish catalogue. For fans of Dervish's previous albums, I can tell you that it only gets better. Cathy Jordan's voice shines throughout, but especially on "Fair-Haired Boy" and Bob Dylan's "Boots of Spanish Leather". On the instrumental side, the highlights include "Jig Songs" (a medley of three pieces) and "Swallows Tail". There is also an excellent rendition of "Soldier Laddie". This Irish folk standard has a rather repetitive song structure, but Dervish incorporate wonderful variations in both the vocals and the instrumentation that keep the song lively all the way through. For those readers who are unfamiliar with Dervish, I can only urge you to buy this CD...as well as their previous work. The group has firmly established itself as the current standard bearer of traditional Irish music. I should note that this genre is a bit different from popular conceptions (i.e. new-agey Celtic music, such as Enya) - Dervish does not rely on synthesizers or the like but on your good old fiddle, acoustic guitar, flute, etc. (Anyone who wants some of those synthesized effects should try the Scottish group Capercaillie.) I know there are some people who just don't like this sort of music, but the rest of you who are more open-minded about quality music should appreciate Dervish's Spirit, for the musicianship is second to none."

I still love Dervish, but this is not their best CD

Michael | Placerville, CA USA | 10/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I would hate to think people interested in Dervish due to their reputation for traditional Irish Music would start with this album. To avoid mistakes, I am saying there are great tracks on this album, and all of the musicians are top shelf Irish musicians. I absolutely love this band. However, I would consider their best albums to be "Decade" for people that think in that American way (direct, straight to the point, music only). If you think in that lovely Irish way, Irish music is a part of pub culture to be enjoyed with friends, families, relatives, pets and few strangers soon to be friends. In that case "Live in Palma" two CD set has all of the proper introductions, not to mention an invitation to sing Irish Gaelic Karoake. Don't forget the stout when listening. They followed these CDs with "Midsummer's Night." The CDs previously mentioned can be played straight through without exception to excellencet tradional music. They also have a VHS tape availabe at their website of a live performance at a neighborhood, Sligo-Ireland pub. I need to emphasize these are the best of the best to be offered in the category of traditional Irish Music in the traditional Irish way (other musicians and bands need to mentioned here also in the best of best category). There are no electrical instruments, but the band's team of guitar, mandolin, bazouki intricate chord arrangements with Cathy Jordan's golden voice are the trademarks for this group. The band's manager passed, hence the title of this album. I sense a loss. It is also a loss of direction, similar to Solas after their lead singer left. The This is still a worthy contribution to any collection that includes Dervish."

Dervish does it again

J. TIMMERMAN | Lawson, NSW Australia | 04/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Top-flight 7-piece Dervish from Sligo in Ireland have been ultra-consistent in their recorded offerings and this new album, four years in the making, is no different. Rousing dance tunes like The Banks of Lough Gowna, lovely songs like The Fair Haired Boy by Brendan Graham and evocative airs like O'Raghalligh's Grave are arranged, played and sung with the greatest finesse and warmth of feeling. Cathy Jordan's distinctive and expressive voice is backed by fiddle, mandola, flutes, guitars, accordion, harmonica, bouzouki and other instruments. Songs are in both English and Gaelic and include The Lag's Song by Ewan McColl, Boots of Spanish Leather by Bob Dylan, The Soldier Laddie, and a "Tune of the Munster Pipers" from the 1860s. Instrumental medleys drive forward with a sweeping momentum that is totally exhilarating. Dervish are a cut above the ordinary and always work hard to present Irish traditional music with a touch of pizazz, while holding fast to the age-old true Irish spirit. Yep, this is the real deal and it's great to hear this band going from strength to strength. http://www.dervish.ie."