Two Is The Beginning Of The End (Instrumental)/On These Magic Shores
Nana's Walkabout
Memories To Bed
Darling's Waltz
Star Lullaby
Shadow Dance
Stories To Tell
The Flight
The Landing
Pirates!
The Crocodile Tango
The Wendy House
The Wolves Of Neverland
Mermaids
Neverbird
Tinkerbell's Warning
Light That Beauteous Flame
The Duel
Lost Boys Lament
Two Is The Beginning Of The End
The soundtrack to a staged version of J.M. Barrie's classic Peter Pan, this has some marvelous compositions and fiddle playing from former Silly Wizard man Johnny Cunningham, along with Solas's Seamus Egan and fellow Alula... more » artists Jamshied Sharifi and singer Susan McKeown. Cunningham is so well versed in the Scots tradition that his original material sounds as if it should be part of the tradition. His playing throughout is never less than exquisite, a reminder that the man truly is a virtuoso--which is also true of McKeown's vocals. The songs, obviously, pertain to the story, but even so, they shine with sheer class and a real Celtic feel, setting them apart from the wannabes and Celtoids that have crept out of the woodwork in recent years. Add to that a beautiful boxed presentation, and you have a complete winner. --Chris Nickson« less
The soundtrack to a staged version of J.M. Barrie's classic Peter Pan, this has some marvelous compositions and fiddle playing from former Silly Wizard man Johnny Cunningham, along with Solas's Seamus Egan and fellow Alula artists Jamshied Sharifi and singer Susan McKeown. Cunningham is so well versed in the Scots tradition that his original material sounds as if it should be part of the tradition. His playing throughout is never less than exquisite, a reminder that the man truly is a virtuoso--which is also true of McKeown's vocals. The songs, obviously, pertain to the story, but even so, they shine with sheer class and a real Celtic feel, setting them apart from the wannabes and Celtoids that have crept out of the woodwork in recent years. Add to that a beautiful boxed presentation, and you have a complete winner. --Chris Nickson
"I had the rare pleasure of seeing Mr. Cunningham and Ms. McKeowen perform much of this material at a small pub in Houston a few years ago. When the final song was done there was a profound still hush as everyone in the full house sat in awe. They had created a magical timeless space, and we were all spellbound. This CD captures that magic beautifully. This whole production, with its lovely music, lyrics, playing and boxed packaging is quite a work of love. Based on the further thoughts of J.M.Barrie contained in "Peter and Wendy", which he wrote about 9 years after the phenominally successful "Peter Pan" in an attempt to capture a fuller picture of what it is to parent (wanting to get beyond the popular superficial acceptance of the story to reveal the darker side to the experience of Neverland...), this feels like the complete and authentic version.This is such a beautiful production. The instrumentation here is top-notch. The music and lyrics are tender and heatbreaking, sweet and clear, light and yet also weighty. This is both a labour of love as well as a gift of love. It makes me feel whole and complete, as a child, adult and parent, in one big bittersweet soft and intricate tangle. Thank You Johnny, well done man!"
This disc never leaves my ipod
Gwen A Orel | Millburn, New Jersey United States | 12/18/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had this CD for a year before I ever saw the show-- I am a fan of Celtic Music, and had seen Johnny play with his brother Phil at Symphony Space in NY (a major reunion for which I flew 1000 miles). All I can say is if enjoy Celtic music, don't miss this album. It is gorgeous, evocative, heartbreaking. Don't imagine this is "kids' music"-- some of it is funny-- but it is also witty and sorrowful, like Barrie's novel on which it is based. (J.M. Barrie was Scottish, by the way)I am a tough theatre critic (I work in theatre) and I couldn't believe how moved I was when I did get to see the show, which is resourceful, innovative and utterly breathtaking. The interweaving of the music with the story (told via Bunraku puppets and limber puppeteers, and one incredible actress, Karen Kandel, doing all the voices) was seamless. A show as close to perfect as any I've seen.Celtic fans may remember Johnny Cunningham from his days with Silly Wizard. He's a master fiddler, but this album demonstrates his brilliance as a composer. Haunting and unforgettable."
Enchanting
Michelle | Hercules, CA | 12/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After hearing the sound samples on this page, I had to buy the CD. The music is absolutely beautiful. Track 15 ("Neverbird") is the most beautiful melody I've ever heard. If you are a fan of celtic music, this recording is right for you."
I have heard it live as well as on audio.
Michelle | 12/26/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lovely melodies, especially the Star Lullaby. Bittersweet with a Celtic touch. If you like Johnny Cunningham you will like this intelligent interpretation of this old standard. It's an another indication of his myriad talents and his willingness to explore musical possibilities."