Search - Sean O Riada, Ceoltóirí Cualann, Seán Ó Sé :: Ó Riada sa Gaiety: le Seán Ó Sé Agus Ceoltóirí Cualann

Exceptional music, horrid sound

Mark H. Whitnall | Kensington, MD USA | 07/09/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I think I have the same CD listed here (O RIADA SA GAIETY - LE SEAN O SE AGUS CEOLTOIRI CUALANN, Gael-Linn CEFCD 027). Although its release date is in the 90s, it was recorded in 1970 at the O Doirnin bi-centenary concert. This music is the real Celtic deal - beautiful tunes played in a rousing, authentic style on authentic instruments (except for the harpsichord). Unfortunately, the recording quality is so bad the high frequencies are quite painful on a revealing system. Recommended as a historic recording to be played at low volume, preferably with the assistance of a tone control or equalizer to tame the highs."

Mighty stuff!

B. Finn | Ireland | 06/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"O`Riada sa Gaiety is one of the most influential albums ever recorded in the Irish Trad idiom. Granted, the sound is poor but I think the concert was recorded almost as an afterthought in 1969...and thanks to the recorders because we have a great inkling as to the quality of this revolutionary band. The cavalry tune Marchshlua Ui Neill is rivetting and would have made a great orchestral piece...Horslips copied it and named it Dearg Doom...it was also used as part of Ireland`s World Cup soccer theme! The air Marbhna Luimnigh is one of the most moving pieces of group playing ever recorded...this is the definitive version of the slow air. And what about the Whinny Hills of Leitrim for excitement? Beautiful counter harmonies on the jig. The piece de resistance is the finale and the exciting reel Reel Mor Baile an Chalaidh...the group lilt part of the tune in a humorous fashion.
Marvellous stuff ...the energy, passion and skill of the live playing was very influential...many groups followed Ceoltoiri Cualann and developed group trad playing even further.
I am still hopeful that Gael Linn will issue a compilation album of the best of Ceoltoiri Cualann...they could include the best tracks from O`Riada sa Gaiety, Reacaireacht an Riadaigh, Ceol na nUasal and the sadly forgotten Playboy of the Western World.
Side one of the Playboy includes some of the most moving and inspirational trad group playing ever recorded...way back in 1961/2.
Yep, all the polishing, remastering in the world is no substitute for passionate, inspirational music.
O`Riada and Ceoltoiri Cualann were the perfect item!!!!"