Considering the phenomenal popularity of yet another excellent Irish musical export, it is surprising there have been no reviews of Celtic Thunder on this site. The group has six CDs and five DVDs to its credit. They have appeared numerous times on PBS specials and have performed at countless sold-out concerts worldwide. They also sang for President Obama and Ireland's Prime Minister Brian Cowen in the White House on St. Patrick's Day in 2009.

For this review I've chosen Celtic Thunder's Heritage album, released in February 2011, which contains numbers taken from their latest PBS special of the same name. A DVD with the same title, which was recorded during the PBS special, is also available. The DVD includes several additional songs not on the CD.

The group consists primarily of six male singers who sing alone, as duos and as an ensemble. Each member has his own distinctive singing style and personality and yet they blend together with a familiar ease.

CT fans are applauding Heritage as it marks the group's return to its Celtic roots after earlier CDs -- It's Entertainment and Christmas -- which featured mostly show and Yule tunes.

Members of Celtic Thunder include Keith Harkin, an accomplished vocalist, guitarist and songwriter; vocalist Damian McGinty who was 14 when he debuted with the group and whose "Puppy Love" immediately earned millions of female fans; singer and actor Ryan Kelly; Scotsman George Donaldson, at 42 the elder statesman of CT; and Neil Byrne, another talented vocalist who also excels on guitar and percussion. Heritage also introduces the newest member, Emmet Cahill. He replaces Paul Byrom, who left to strike out on his own. The group is backed by the Celtic Concert Orchestra. Phil Coulter directs, plays the keyboard and has written or arranged many of the songs.

There's not a track on this recording that you will not want to listen to over and over. It's pure energetic enjoyment. One song not to be missed is the final cut, "A Place in the Choir." Originally a children's book by Bill Staines, it has since been recorded by groups such as Peter, Paul & Mary and Makem & Clancy. CT's bluegrassy rendition makes it an instant favorite of audiences everywhere.

Among the 13 songs on the CD are "Buachaill on Eirne" ("Come by the Hills" in Gaelic), "Black is the Color," "Home from the Sea," "The Galway Girl," "Whiskey in the Jar" and "Red Rose Cafe."

Many Celtic Thunder fans are sorry to see Paul (the Swanky Tenor) Byrom leave the group, but I believe Cahill's classicly trained voice will quickly resolve any conflicted emotions. He began studying music at age 5 and, while he is adept in piano, organ and violin, his true passion is singing. His solo debut on this CD has firmly established him as a fully-qualified member of CT. The song is "Kindred Spirits," which was written especially for him by Phil Coulter. The storyline is about the passing of his mother who goes to join his father in eternity. The tenderness and passion of Cahill's pure voice is certain to bring a tear to any son of Erin -- or any other country. To me, this track alone is worth the price of the CD.

I have a feeling Celtic Thunder will be around for a long time; they are entertaining, talented and full of whatever it is that makes Celtic music so toe-tapping listenable.

Celtic Thunder's CDs and DVDs are available on their website cms.celticthunder.ie and sites such as Amazon.com. I know that once you hear it, you'll play their music over and over.

[ visit the artist's website ]