"Eclectic is a word much over-used in folk music, but how else to describe an album that includes centuries-old Gaelic as well as selections by Stan Rogers, Dido and Kate Bush? Nearly every song on this album deals with a ... more »journey, whether from across the sea or back from the grave; each song is about choice and living with the consequences. Though it has been nearly eight years since The Browne Sisters and George Cavanaugh recorded their last studio album, the astonishing variety of songs collected here, the inventive arrangements, the strength and clarity of the vocals guarantee that their journey has not been wasted--and that their choices are sure to please.« less
"Eclectic is a word much over-used in folk music, but how else to describe an album that includes centuries-old Gaelic as well as selections by Stan Rogers, Dido and Kate Bush? Nearly every song on this album deals with a journey, whether from across the sea or back from the grave; each song is about choice and living with the consequences. Though it has been nearly eight years since The Browne Sisters and George Cavanaugh recorded their last studio album, the astonishing variety of songs collected here, the inventive arrangements, the strength and clarity of the vocals guarantee that their journey has not been wasted--and that their choices are sure to please.
"What a great opportunity for me to listen to a group that I had not heard before and then share it with you all.
I am not a musician but an appreciator of Celtic/Irish/Scots music. It is all I listen to these days.
What a lovely sound the Browne sisters make with their music, the adding the voice of George Cavanaugh as well as others who contributed to this CD.. I would be hard put to pick a favorite from this group of songs. They are all very well done.
I just hope that one day the Browne Sisters and George C. will make it to Texas so I can see them live. This is a excellent CD.."
Celtic music at its best!
Eponaluna | Dallas, TX | 11/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This kind of album is why I listen to Celtic music! It ranges the full emotional gamut from heartbreaking to exhilirating. I had not heard of George Cavanaugh and the Browne Sisters before this and had some reservations at first. Generally, when a group has multiple lead vocalists there is at least one that is just not as strong as the others. That does not seem to be the case at all with this group. Although I found myself particularly drawn to George Cavanaugh's rich voice, the ladies also do a beautiful job, each with a distinct sound of her own, but capable of blending together quite nicely. The version of Spancil Hill found here is flat out, no question, the best I have heard and Bonnie Portmore is right up there. This Land Is Mine touches a very personal note and I was hard put not to start crying the first time I really listened to it. Overall, I'm putting this solidly in my top ten of Celtic CDs and highly recommend it to anyone with a love of the genre!
- Cara Barker
"
If You Like Celtic pop get this now
Jerry Guinn | Concord, CA, USA | 11/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Browne Sisters and George Cavanaugh represent fresh and spirit harmonies. If the listener loves harmony and an energy that is captivating this CD is for you. The title song is worth the music in the first place."
Passes the "Gars ye tae Greet " test with flying colors!
Richard Munro | Bakersfield, California | 11/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What do I mean by the "gars ye tae greet" test? Now that is simple. Good Celtic music moves you and at is best it "gars ye tae greet" or make one come to tears. THE BROWNE SISTERS and George Cavanaugh in READY FOR THE STORM, pass this test..
Good Celtic music is where joy and sadness mingle: THE BROWNE SISTERS and George Cavanaugh in READY FOR THE STORM have this.
One of the songs NANCY WHISKEY is unusual in that it does not celebrate drinking and convivial life but instead warns how "Nancy Whiskey" can control and destroy your life which is quite true by the way. This mature song is certainly welcome.
There are a number of Celtic songs concerning mental illness and WUTHERING HEIGHTS, though not strictly a "Celtic song" it is clearly, inspired by the British/Celtic song tradition.
Good Celtic music is a place "full up of cianalas" that is to say Celtic nostalgia or strong feelings of deep love, feeling, regret, joy and I will add a touch of mysticism. THE BROWNE SISTERS and George Cavanaugh in READY FOR THE STORM have this.
They sing CRO CHINN T-SAILE is one of the 'Big Songs' and the Browne Sisters do it justice. You might recognize "Theid mi dhachaidh" as one of the moving instrumental melodies on the great ROB ROY CD.
Both technically and emotionally, their performance here is very expressive: pure Highland silk.
BONNIE PORTMORE is an other song like this; this authentic Gaelic melody is haunting -you might remember it from the Highlander series. It tells of a Gael who suffers to see the beauty of nature versus rapacious economic forces .
THE SPANISH LADY is a great old Irish love song and I am glad to hear it again.
I enjoyed seeing the nostalgic pictures of the Browne Sisters in the early years. In the pictures as well as the music you can see the authentic joy they bring to their music and the love for the Celtic tradition.
Gu meal sibh bhur naidheachd..CONGRATULATIONS to you all for another fine album!
The Browne Sisters and George Cavanaugh is a perfect CD for the holiday season to share with the family, a loved one along with a hot cup of tea or mulled cider next to a roaring fire .