Search - Niamh Parsons :: Loosely Connected

A collection of traditional Celtic and modern songs

Brianna Neal | USA | 09/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Singer Niamh Parson's (pronounced "Neave") shows off her versatility as well as her deep, smooth, gloriously low voice. In this aptly titled debut album, she offers a loosely connected assemblage of songs ranging from mournful acapella renderings of traditional Irish ballads to stylish expressions of modern folk, jazz and rock. Parsons is described in the liner notes as "a singer whom the Celtic tradition has tried to claim back because a songstress like her only comes along once or twice in a generation. She is reluctant to return completely because, like many of her other country-women, her voice fits comfortably into a whole range of songstyles - from her own native ballads to country and contemporary songwriters' material." The diversity of genres can make for either an interesting or a disjointed listening experience, depending on your mood and on how interested you are in following Parsons' distinctive voice through her preferred range of musical styles. Personally, I think the unique qualities of her rich, deep vocals are best showcased in the unaccompanied ballads, but the accompaniments are fun too. The title "Loosely Connected" also refers to "The Loose Connections," by the way--the instrumentalists who back Parsons. They are: John McSherry on whistles, Paul McSherry on guitars, Dee More on bass, Eddie Friel on piano, and percussionist Dave Early. If you like Niamh Parson's work, try also that of Susan McKeown, Mary McLaughlin and the early work of Loreena McKennitt, all of which have similar traits in terms of either vocal timbre or musical stylings.

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