Search - Sharon Shannon :: Live in Galway

Amazing!

Trevor | New York | 02/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you can obtain a copy of this album, do so! Don't hesitate.Sharon Shannon is one of the most amazing musicians you'll ever hear. But her studio albums don't really do her justice. In my opinion they've gone somewhat downhill since her first one. They're still great records, but nothing comes close to seeing her live. This album captures one of her fiery live performances. Not to be missed."

Live with the Woodchoppers

Lilting Banshee | Roseburg, OR USA | 06/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Woodchoppers are: Lloyd Byrne on drums, Ronnie O'Flynn, bass; Jim Murray, guitar; Liz Kane, fiddle; Yvonne Kane, fiddle; Mary Shannon (Sharon's sister) on mandolin, banjo, and fiddle; and Sharon Shannon, accordion (of course), fiddle, and whistle. From beginning to end, 14 tunes later, there isn't anything but great music. This is my favorite Sharon Shannon cd. Wait til you hear her on whistle. The rhythm section doesn't get in the way. The Kane sisters keep up with the Shannon sisters and everyone makes inspired music. Can the band play really fast? Yes! And they play with feeling. Best of all, sounds like everyone is having a really good time whipping out these amazing tunes effortlessly. It's trad! It's contemporary! It's brilliant music through and through. Shannon's 2003 recording, The Acoustic Tour, features a pared down band (no drums, bass, or Kane sisters) and is a rare find, too."

Joyous Music That Works Either Way, for Listening or for Dan

David Keymer | Modesto CA | 02/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sharon Shannon and her group play updated version of standard Irish folk music that will win over the stoniest heart (although my wife's cousin Ruth didn't like her --she said it's "monotonous"). The heart of the music is Shannon's virtuosity on several instruments --accordion, hammered dulcimer, fiddle-- but the Woodchoppers create a propulsive rhythmic groove, regardless of tempo, that draws in the listener.



Living in central California, until two years ago my image of "Celtic music" was a watered down New Age, pallid music that relied on dulcimer and harp and featured vocalists who sound like Joan Baez with weak lungs. Then we rented a cabin in county Kerry, in the southwesternmost tip of Ireland, and I got to hear heavy doses of contemporary Irish popular music --and fell in love with it. I came out a convert -- to Kila, Lunasa, Christie Moore (long may he live!), Mary Black.



And also to Sharon Shannon and her Woodchoppers. No one plays accordion better than Sharon does and the Woodchoppers create unpretentious, joyous music that disguises the virtuosity in their playing of it. I don't know quite how to categorize this record --it's traditional and modern at the same time. Whatever it is, it's very good."