The title seems a bit deceptive, as the band members seem to be Irish-American, Irish and Scottish, and the songs and tunes are a mixture originating from all over the Celtic parts of the British Isles. But the results are lovely. The light clear sounds of the harp (Sue Richards) and the dulcimer (Karen Ashbrook) blend wonderfully with the voice of singer Connie MacKenna.

On several tracks there's an interesting segue from mournful ballads of unhappy love to lilting jigs and reels (played on the Celtic harp, the Irish flute and the pennywhistle) that is smooth and effortless and adds to our enjoyment of both words and music. (This may be another example of that Celtic ability to enjoy "happy wars and sad love songs.")

Check out the traditional Irish jig sets, with tunes like "Flowers of Spring" and "Hunter's House." Guest and band members add variety and interest with uillean pipes, button accordion, clarinet, piano and more. The sound is elegant and accessible, and yet never strays far from its roots in an old, old culture.

The songs are traditional songs ("I'm 18 Years Old Today"), Child ballads ("The Cruel Sister"), classic Irish poems ("Mna na hEireann") and offerings from modern songwriters ("Caledonia"). What they have in common is their focus on women: lovers, daughters and mothers, and their loves and position in relationship. These women mostly seem to get the raw end of the deal, and I found my heart going out to them, even, or especially, those who were portrayed as being in the wrong (mostly for wanting what a man might assume as his right, as in "The Fair Flower of Northumberland"). The Irish Gaelic as sung by MacKenna is clear and beautiful in the two songs in which it is used, and is subtly paired with the English translation for the benefit of non-Gaelic speakers.

It is a pleasure to have some background information not only on the songs, for this is important in their enjoyment, but on the instrumental selections as well. A very enjoyable work that will quickly earn a favoured place right next to my CD player.

- Rambles
written by Joyce Rankin
published 30 November 2002