High Praise for High Kings
M. Killian | New Castle, DE | 03/11/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a little bit cautious when I buy music, but when I saw that David Downes' name was on this group, I didn't hesitate. I think by now a lot of people associate David's work with Celtic Woman. He seems to have a knack for putting talented people together and creating incredible melodies that, after having heard the song only once, will be singing in your head throughout the day. While these songs have been around for quite a while, they are renewed afresh because of the men who sing them and the arrangements that were customized for these men's vocal talents.
Those who enjoy the harmonies of Celtic Woman have no excuse for not liking or appreciating the music of The High Kings. Classic ballads are tastefully made modern, and other folk melodies are kept folk with a touch of funk.
In an album that has been touched by David Downes, it is difficult to eliminate any song from a "Favorite" list. But, in my opinion, some of the catchiest tunes are from "Rocky Road to Dublin", "Wild Rover", and "Jimmy Murphy" (good luck with the chorus- those who have heard the album know exactly what I'm talking about). And the breath-taking beauty of Celtic history is found in the melodious harmonies in "Black Velvet Band" and "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore".
In short, this is an album suitable for children of all ages, for people of all races. This is not music that is targeted for one specific group of people. These songs will make you laugh; they will make you cry. There is something in this album that, again, in my opinion, can appeal to anyone, no matter what background or history. The wonderful combination of the harmonies, and personalities of the men emanating through the music, is what makes this album appealing for all people of all walks of life."
Awesome and amazing a must buy, you won't be dissappointed
Robert | Cleveland, Ohio USA | 03/09/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having had grandparents born in Ireland I have been a fan of Irish music my entire life. The talent that has been brought together for this production is truely unsurpassed. The musicians and vocals are seamed together perfectly to delight the most discriminating listener. I witnessed this being performed on PBS. The DVD version is also available and will give you a visual experience that you will not soon forget."
Buy it
S. Kay Murphy | Mt. Baldy, CA USA | 03/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It just so happened, as I was listening to some good ol' Liam Clancy around St. Paddy's Day, that the High Kings appeared on the Today show, and I loved their sound. Their voices meld beautifully together, and it's good ol' Irish tunes they're singing--along with one or two contemporary, such as "Galway to Graceland," which is poignantly rendered. These are vocalists who understand the power of the human voice as instrument. Just listen to a few of the samples and you'll hear what I mean. Then buy the CD. A warning about putting these tunes on your iPod--you may find yourself dancing...."