Discounting all the mutations and permutations, Irish music seems to fall into two basic categories. The first is the vibrant and toe-tapping fiddle/whistle/bodhran type. The second is the soft and lilting airs that evoke images of Ireland's quiet hillsides and streams. Celtic Woman is firmly lodged in the latter category.

Seemingly misnamed, this CD features a fiddler and four vocalists, including one who also plays harp. It's one of those rare recordings that, no matter how much you like the track that's playing, you can't wait for the next one because it only gets better.

Most people's earliest exposure to these five Celtic women -- mine included -- is their highly acclaimed show that has aired on more than 300 PBS stations in the United States during the past year. Celtic Woman, the group's debut CD, has been No. 1 on the Billboard World Music Charts for most of the past year. It is worth having around just for the soothing quality of their interpretation of several old Irish standbys. The selections are an eclectic blend from traditional Irish and light classical to more modern pieces.

Individually, these five comely women are extremely talented, classically trained soloists in their own right; together their harmony is wonderful. Despite their relatively young ages, their list of accomplishments is impressive. Most have their own CDs and have given concerts at Dublin's National Concert Hall and other impressive venues worldwide. Others have appeared with Elvis Costello and the Chieftains, and have performed in Riverdance.

Chloe Agnew, a 16-year-old vocalist with the group, said in an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review last year, "We're just trying to be for the voice what Riverdance was for the feet." In fact, David Downes, a former musical director of Riverdance, and Sharon Browne of Celtic Collections Ltd., one of Ireland's most successful independent record labels, conceived the idea to combine these five individual talents. The result is a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.

In addition to Agnew, the other two vocalists are Lisa Kelly and Meav Ni Mhaolchatha. Orla Fallon is both a vocalist and harpist. She has won many global harping awards and was invited to perform for Pope John Paul II in Rome as well as the President of Ireland. Mairead Nesbitt, on the violin, is a former all-Ireland fiddle player and has played on stage with the likes of Sinead O'Connor, Clannad, Emmylou Harris, Chris de Burgh, Aslan and Van Morrison.

They perform a beautiful version of the obligatory "Danny Boy," which leads into, what for me, is the best song on the album: "Isle of Inisfree." This traditional air is the epitome of Irish music. Somehow, just listening to this song makes me think of all things Irish, and Orla's treatment is both haunting and beautiful.

Another highlight is the ensemble's rendition of Enya's "Orinoco Flow" by Lisa, Orla and Meav, backed by the Irish Film Orchestra and a host of pipes and percussionists. Chloe's angelic voice soars in Schubert's "Ave Maria."

Everyone will be able to find a favorite among the many offerings on the 18-track recording that includes "One World," "She Moved Through the Fair," "Harry's Game," "The Soft Goodbye" and "You Raise Me Up." Another standout is "May It Be," the theme from The Lord of the Rings. There are two bonus tracks, both featuring Mairead's fiddle. The first is the hauntingly beautiful "Ashoken Farewell" linked to a very upbeat fiddle-bodhran combo, "The Contradiction." The second is a lively number titled "Si Do Mhaimeo i (The Wealthy Widow)," with Mairead backed by the Aontas Choral Group and several accomplished percussionists.

Earlier in March, this latest group of Irish emigres began an 8-week, 40-city tour of North America. Their two previous tours played mostly to sold-out audiences.

This CD was a Valentine's Day surprise from my wife; it's a gift that I will get a lot of pleasure from in the coming years. I always knew she had good taste. (Or did she buy it just so she could listen to it?)

by Bill Knapp
Rambles.NET
17 March 2006