Search - Paddy Noonan :: Irish Celebration

Irish folk music classics PLUS newer material

Steven Quigley | 03/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Irish Celebration is a 2-CD set of Paddy Noonan's "Irish Party" and "Irish Dew" CDs. The CDs themselves are exactly the same as the individual packages. Amazon often advertises a "buy it together" price showing these CDs individually also being sold with the set--avoid that return hassle for yourself and just buy the set.



This set includes some of my favorite Irish folk music. My grandparents were from Ireland, and this is the artist whose vinyl albums they played the most. The entire first CD, Irish Party, was recorded live at the John Barleycorn pub in New York (circa 1970?) as the album was originally released on vinyl LP. What a pleasure it is to listen to 30 years later without all the pops and clicks heard on the old LP--yet it still conveys the warmth and charm of the pub atmosphere. Paddy Noonan's accordian work is superb, accompanied by singers with genuine gaelic accents and an upright piano.



The second CD, "Irish Dew", is half newer material and half older recordings that also used to be on LP and were made about the same time as "Irish Party"--again at the John Barleycorn. Whether you listen to Irish music all year long or just on St. Patrick's day, this is a great set to have in your Irish music rotation!"

Great fun

Elizabeth G. Melillo | 06/11/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Paddy Noonan's band arrangements are delightful - an entire collection of 'party pieces.' This economical set is just the item for a Saint Patrick's Day party or 'home pub'.



Many of the recordings are not of true Irish music, but of American composition. Though this could be a plus for a New York party, it could be disappointing to those who are unaware of this. I have seen the Paddy Noonan band in person, and they are more than willing to take requests for everything from traditional ballads to current rallying songs, but most of those on these tracks are far more Ameri-cay than Celtic.



The medleys are great fun, and I use this CD as accompaniment for housecleaning - try it, since it tends to remove the drudgery. :)"