I R E L A N D : Celtic music with Van Morrison, Chieftains + Clannad + Loreena McKennitt + Christy Moore + Celtic Woman + The Dubliners, collected by Cobie Ivens.
I– Van Morrison & The Chieftains. (39:48 min)
Celtic folk influence has always lingered just beneath the surface in Van Morrison’s music, and had surfaced before, such as on Into The Music. His poignant, emotional style fits perfectly with the timeless sound of The Chieftains.
The album kicks off with a bang with Star Of The County Dawn, before descending into more introspective territories. Celtic myths are explored in the beautiful ballads, while the essence of nature and art is simultaneously laid bare. The Chieftains fulfill their role as accompanists with verve, and it is an ode to domestic life and love. CD. Irish Heartbeat – Van Morrison & The Chieftains.
LABEL: Mercury Records (1988) code: 8344 962. VIDEO
II– Clannad. (01:15:26 min)
Lore is a 1996 studio album by the Irish folk band Clannad and was received with much praise worldwide by music critics, who often regarded it as one of Clannad’s best recordings. Clannad lives up to expectations exactly; Lore exudes precisely that dreamy atmosphere we have come to expect from the Irish band. A large portion of the lyrics is sung in Gaelic this time. Mairie Brennan’s clear voice, combined with subtle acoustic guitar parts and traditional instruments, makes Lore a gently flowing album to dream away to.
CD. Lore – Clannad.
LABEL: RCA Records (1996) code: 74321-359752. VIDEO
III– Loreena McKennitt. (54:01 min)
A Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who writes, records, and performs world music with Celtic and Middle Eastern influences. She is known for her refined and clear soprano voice. In the late 1970s, she became fascinated by what is now called Celtic music. Loreena McKennitt was drawn to a rich, ancient tapestry of sounds, rhythms, and stories. She discovered similar myths and traditions originating from all corners of the world, peoples who shared similarities yet were unique.
CD. The book of secrets – Loreena McKennitt.
LABEL: Warner Brothers (1997), code 94671902. VIDEO
IV– Christy Moore. (01:14:05 min)
Christopher Andrew “Christy” Moore is an Irish folk singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was a founding member of the bands Planxty and Moving Hearts and has achieved considerable success as a solo artist. His first album, Paddy on the Road, was recorded in 1969 with Dominic Behan. Christy Moore was named Ireland’s greatest living musician by RTÉ in 2007, and no one has come even close to robbing him of that title. As a chronicler of our time, as a captivating voice, as a jester commemorating joyful events, or simply as the owner of the most wondrously melodic voice: Christy Moore has been enchanting audiences for over 50 years.
CD. The early years : 1969-81 – Christy Moore.
LABEL: Tara Music (2020) code: 3512347. VIDEO
V– Celtic Woman (01:03:34 min)
An Irish music ensemble consisting of four female singers and a violinist. The group plays Celtic music as well as modern songs. Celtic Woman consists of three Irish female singers and a violinist, accompanied by a full band and bagpipers. Their talent and energetic approach create a fresh fusion of centuries-old musical and cultural traditions. This unforgettable musical experience offers the women the chance to perform 16 timeless traditional and contemporary Irish classics, clothed in the group’s renowned style.
CD. Destiny – Celtic Woman.
LABEL: Manhattan (2016) code: 2547623478. VIDEO
VI- The Dubliners
They played a crucial role in the popularization of Irish folk music in Europe. They influenced many generations of Irish bands, and their legacy can be heard in the music of many Irish artists to this day. In their homeland, The Dubliners are very popular and often considered the most influential Irish acts of the 20th century. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2012, becoming the longest-running Irish music group. In that same year, they received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. In the autumn of 2012, The Dubliners announced their farewell following the passing of the group’s last surviving original member.
CD. Irish pub hits – The Dubliners.
LABEL: ZYX Music (2018) code: ELB 20259-2. VIDEO
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