Vibrant!
Brianna Neal | USA | 05/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My favorite Celtic compilation album of all! I don't think I could describe "Bravehearts" any better than its back cover does: "proud, passionate, provocative--keeping tradition alive by refusing to let it stand still ..." Full of energy, bounce and spirit, all the numbers on this CD, both lively and driving or poignant and slow, have an intensity about them that just sweeps over you. The artists featured are: Leahy, Capercaillie, Blair Douglas, Mary Jane Lamond, Ashley MacIsaac, Dougie MacLean, Karen Matheson, Old Blind Dogs, Anna Murray, Skyedance and Tannas. It's hard to pick a favorite track or two here--I like every one, though Blair Douglas and Leahy really shine. Come along and celebrate the spirit and mystique of Scotland with these innovative new musicians! If you enjoy "Bravehearts", you'll also enjoy the up-tempo music of another compilation CD, Green Linnet's "Playing With Fire"."
A superb showcase of contemporary Scottish folk
Brianna Neal | 11/11/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What have the Scots been up to while their fellow Celts, the Irish, have been making hay from Riverdance? Plenty, if this CD is any indication! A superb compilation of Scottish and Scottish-inspired music, "Brave Hearts" shows what a diversity of expression is contained within that musical tradition. Far from being full of bagpipes and mournful ballads, the album show-cases the rich variety and vitality of contemporary Scottish folk music. There are well-known acts such as Capercaillie, Dougie MacLean and Alasdair Fraser. But it isn't only the stars that make this album shine. Lesser-known names play some of the most startling music. Take Blair Douglas' instrumental "Nelson Mandela's Welcome to the City of Glasgow", for instance. Combining South African township rhythm and chant with bagpipes and military drums, this extraordinary piece melds two traditions in a most electrifying way.There is plenty of excellent singing - mostly in Gaelic - from wonderful Scottish singer Karen Matheson and Canadian Mary Jane Lamond, and from groups like Capercaillie and Tannas. Instrumental work on fiddle and bagpipes is highlighted on tracks by groups like Skyedance and Old Blind Dogs. And the whole is rounded off by a brooding rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" by Dougie MacLean. Ignore the tacky title - this album is a superb showcase of contemporary Scottish folk."
Second Review after playing CD several times.
R. Littlehale | Malden, MA | 02/18/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What can I say, the more I play the CD the more I like it. I should not have been so quick in giving the CD a thumbs down without listening a lot more. If you like Scottish music I'm sure you will like this CD. My apologies if I discouraged anyone from buy this CD."