Search - Paul Brady :: Liberty Tapes

Live as It Gets

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 04/17/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For both fans of Paul Brady and those of traditional Irish music, "The Liberty Tapes" is a delightful live set. Recorded in July 1978 to celebrate the release of Paul's "Welcome Here Kind Stranger" album, the set has a vibrant, fun feel. Although not recorded on professional-quality tape, it is remarkably clear and fresh in sound, although there is a bit of hiss in the quieter moments. "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore" is a gorgeous melody with Andy Irvine's mandolin played like a sprite in dance. "I Am a Youth That's Inclined to Ramble" is a soft lament with Donal Lunny's plaintive bouzouki. "The Creel/Out the Door & Over the Wall" is a bright lighthearted lark about a lad getting a bit of romance. "Mary & the Soldier" is a pretty ballad with Paul's beautiful acoustic guitar and resonant voice. Paul gives "Jackson & Jane" the vibrant Irish trill in his voice on this pretty ballad. "Lakes of Pontchatrain" is an emotional wail, well done. Paddy Glackin's fiddle will set your toe to tapping on the pretty jig "Crooked Road to Dublin." The CD concludes with "Arthur McBride & the Sergeant," a pretty ballad. You can't come to this recording expecting the perfection of a studio release. It was not recorded with release in mind. It makes up in charm & fun the minor technical deficiencies. Enjoy!"

A lost Celtic folk gem

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 06/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Longtime fans who have dispaired of Irish folk legend Paul Brady ever returning to his trad roots can at least take heart in the release of these classic concert recordings made in 1978, celebrating the release of his first solo album, the traditionally-oriented "Welcome Here, Kind Stranger." It's a lovely set, with warm, sympathetic backing by the likes of Noel Hill, Matt Molloy and Donal Lunney. Brady was in fine form, with that beautiful, lilting voice of his. It's definitely worth tracking down a copy of this little gem!"

FABULOUS!

Juha Hyrsky | 11/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fans of Paul's early gems on Mulligan will find this to be a revelation -- my favourite release of the last five years. Brill!"