"I've become somewhat of a groupie for this mostly homegrown band. As others here have said- they are great fun live - which compelled me to buy this and pass it on down after seeing them last year. Now I make sure I attend the local Irish Festivals (there are two) on the night the Elders will play.
Again - good mix of Irish balad, traditional blended with rock. You'll want to get up on your feet, sing along, and try out a few irish steps."
The Elders
S. Mann | Michigan | 02/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an EXCELLENT cd! I play it often and want to hear it again. My kids ask me to play it as well. My family goes to see them LIVE every chance we get. Great CD, great band, great guys! Buy it! Enjoy..."
Check out "Men of Erin"...
K. Donovan | 09/11/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Their song, "Men of Erin" is one of their most requested. After you hear it, you will know why.................it is so moving...."
A genealogist's dream - storytelling music at it's best
TEP | Louisville, Kentucky USA | 11/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Celtic, folk, rock, bluegrass, jazz and classical: as you listen you can visualize The Elders' gentleman fiddler, Brent Hoad, in concert. Without a word, skillfully, as he has done a thousand times before, he will draw your attention and respectfully fiddle a charismatic tale that will capture your heart with little resistance. Like a bold leprechaun, the dip of his skillful bow pierces your chest without a mark and on the upswing, he draws back his bow, watching you, to see if you recognize that he has drawn out your heart. Shamelessly, he technically flings your heart, perched on his bow, across his shoulder, like a basketball shot dunked through the hoops, and adds yet another to his collection he keeps in his little pot under his Celtic rainbow. Be careful, once harpooned, you will succumb like a thousand others to his showmanship. You will swear, you will plead, to fill your need, to hear more of The Elders Music. Brent's violin is technically showcased in The Elders Music, esp. in their rendition of Turnpike, their signature instrumental, but he also sings vocals and plays the guitar, keyboards, and Mandolin, and others he keeps under his cap.
Ian Byrne (Irish born lead singer and percussionist), Steve Phillips (guitar and vocals), Norm Dahlor (bass and vocals), Joe Miquelon (keyboards) complete the instrumentals with Tommy Sutherland supplying solid, rock hard percussive, hot drums. As a group, their a'capella harmony and blending of 6 fine voices in Men from Erin, is reminiscent of one of those famous All Male Welsh choirs. Add those bagpipes and one feels they are rooming the mist filled Scottish hills following a royalty's majestic funeral. Send a prayer to heaven! Here is everything you would want at your wake: High octane vocals, percussion, drums, flute, bass, banjo, fiddle/violin, mandolins, dobro, keyboards, guitar, b-blender, accordion, cornet trumpet, Scottish highland pipes, bodhran, tin whistles.
See The Elders in concert, be hooked for life, you will spin their disk 1,000 times to hear their addictive melodic sounds again. This Midwest Irish Fest Circuit Headliner Band has taken Heartland Rock with traditional mused to contemporary instrumentalism and gone from millionaires at midnight to a solid national tour and growing international circuit. Their experience and attention to a detailed choreographed precision showcase their spectacular talent. Quality, Showmanship and Gentlemanly Professionalism grow their reputation as American's Best Heartland Celtic Folk Rock Band.
Seek out a show at one of their local Kansas City cozy venues or the Terrace lawn at Crown Center or go cross-country for one of their concert tour performances from Notre Dame to New Hampshire, or travel with them as friends to Ireland.
P. S. They sell out on all their CD's and DVD's at their concert, so if you are always late, order them online!