Search - Emma Christian :: Celtic Voices: Women of Song

Russell N. (bananaforce) from MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Reviewed on 7/14/2006...

From the back of the CD:

Like Narada's first Celtic music collections, CELTIC ODYSSEY and CELTIC LEGACY, CELTIC VOICES explores the power and grace of a thriving music that has withstood the shifting winds of fad and fashion. Mary McLaughlin, Connie Dover, Maireid Sullivan and Emma Christian give stirring voice to the universal experiences of love and heartache, joy and longing, happiness and sorrow through timeless songs of beauty and grace.

An amazingly beautiful album

Michele J. Raffaele | Pittsburgh, PA/Mcfarland, WI | 03/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This absolutely breathtaking album features four women who, even though are not as well known as artists such as Eyna, Loreena Mckennitt, Clannad and The Chieftians, have made a monumental impact on not only the Celtic music industry, but also in my own life.



First there is Mary McLaughlin who sings "Bring The Peace", "You Saw His Eyes", and "Sealwoman/Yundah". Born in North Ireland, Mary moved to London at the age of 18 where her music career began to flourish. The album begins with "Sealwoman/Yundah", a spellbinding, almost erotically charged song inspired by the Celtic legand of the selkies (sea-like creatures able to take human form). In it the "Sealwoman" (selkie) is torn between her home (the sea) and human love. Next up is "Bring The Peace" a lovely song about gaining wisdom after a period of seperation, and for coming "full circle." Rounding off the three songs Mary contributes is "You Saw His Eyes" whose message resonates any pop song that's out there today: to love someone only to be brokenhearted.



next up is Connie Dover, born in Arkansas and raised in Missouri. She sings "The Wishing Well", "In Aimsir Bhaint an Fheir", "Siuil a Ruin" and "Cantus". Praising the birth and final sacrifice of Christ as well as the devotion of Mary, his Mother, "Cantus" is exceptionally emotional. "In Aimsir Bhaint an Fheir" (at haycutting time) is a stark contrast to "Cantus". More lively and upbeat, this traditonal song finishes with a dance tune written by Phil Cunningham who has had a long and fruitful working relationship with Connie. The mood changes drasticlly once again for "The Wishing Well", inspired by a poem written by Padraig Prease. This poignant song is about the sometimes overpowerful feelings of love and the fear of "losing yourself" in the process. "Siuil a Ruin" (go, love) is the heartbreaking tale of a woman's love for a solider who has fled to France in times of war.



After Connie's beautiful voice, there is the equally stunning voice of Maireid Sullivan,who was born in Ireland and at age 11 moved with her family to San Francisco, and later moved to Melbourne, Australia. She sings "Colour Me", and the more traditional "She Moved Through The Fair" and "Waly Waly". "Colour Me", co-written by Maireid and guitarist Steve Wilson, paints a lovely picture of a river on a sunny day. "She Moved Through The Fair" has been a favorite among celtic artists (Lorenna Mckennitt also sings a rendition of it, among others)and "Waly Waly", another traditional favorite is sometimes refered to "The Water Is Wide"



Closing out the album is harpist and Isle Of Man native Emma Christian who contributes the songs "Ushag Veg Ruy" (Little Red Bird), "Oikan Ayns Bethlehem" (Birth In Bethlehem),"O Kirree, Tou Goll Dy Faagail Mee" (O Kirree Thou Wilt Leave Me), and (very fittingly) "Arrane Oie Vie" (The Goodnight Song). Sung in her native language, Manx Gaelic, Emma creates a serene, intimate atmosphere for her audience. Keeping close to her roots, all four songs are rich with the Manx tradition.



The Title for this cd (Celtic Voices:Women Of Song) is so perfect because I feel the human voice is one of the most complex and beautiful instruments. This cd clearly demostrates that in the stunning, impressive talents of these four women. This is a wonderful album for immense lovers of Celtic music (such as myself) and also for those who are new to Celtic music. I highly recommend it.



"

Voices like angels

mocroidh | 08/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"True to the title of this CD, each of the recordings showcases the vocal talents of the four featured women to a full extent. The music is a combination of very traditional songs and more recently written, New-Agey selections, which complement eachother very well. Some of the better tracks (they're all pretty good) include: the haunting, pleading "Bring the Peace"; the playful harvest song "In Aimsir Bhaint an Fheir"; the tragic traditional song "Siuil a Ruin"; and the contemplative "Waly Waly," better known as "The Water is Wide". Perhaps my favorite track, though, is "She Moved Through the Fair," a song which has been recorded by many artists, but never more beautifully than Maireid Sullivan. If you're a fan of Celtic music, or just enjoy hearing beautiful voices, buy this CD - it's definitely a must-have."