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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you buy this after hearing Cathie's later albums you can't but notice a distinct dip in quality. Much of this,I believe, is down to the self-indulgence of her producer Seamus Egan, and mixing engineer John Anthony. It would take too long to list all my complaints but to summarise; there is no need for all the drums on this album,they are too loud in the mix(especially the rim clicks); the sound fx(cannon fire ?) at the end of "12th of July" are ridiculous (as is the fretless bass solo in another song); much of Egan's low whistle and other instumental contributions add nothing to the sound; and there is almost a bewildering variety of styles which indicate that neither the singer nor the producer had a focussed vision or direction. The overall impression is one of experimentation.It is interesting to note that Egan produced Karan Casey's first album at the same time and took no such liberties with his Solas bandmate!
Songs like the wonderful "Garden valley" and "July" referred to above ultimately disappoint, even though they are beautifully sung. Just listen to Cara Dillon's (drumless) version of the former and you'll hear what I mean. The best tracks are the ones with simplest backing where her lovely voice shines through and she's not singing against her backing track, as is the case with "You and I in the one bed lie"! One of the most attractive numbers is the country-rock flavoured "Shades of Gloria" but her own songwriting was not as developed as with her later efforts. Here and there are glimpses of the talent waiting to be released, but to my mind this was a wasted opportunity, and it was not until Cathie enlisted John McCusker as producer that her singing talents were given flight in all their glory.
Songs like the wonderful "Garden valley" and "July" referred to above ultimately disappoint, even though they are beautifully sung. Just listen to Cara Dillon's (drumless) version of the former and you'll hear what I mean. The best tracks are the ones with simplest backing where her lovely voice shines through and she's not singing against her backing track, as is the case with "You and I in the one bed lie"! One of the most attractive numbers is the country-rock flavoured "Shades of Gloria" but her own songwriting was not as developed as with her later efforts. Here and there are glimpses of the talent waiting to be released, but to my mind this was a wasted opportunity, and it was not until Cathie enlisted John McCusker as producer that her singing talents were given flight in all their glory.
2 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
A mixture of her own compositions (with an Irish feel to them) and traditional songs performed sensitively and with her own distinctive approach. Cathie Ryan has a beautiful, often haunting voice. Well worth a listen.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5 reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Excellent Irish Performer
13 Oct 1999
Format:Audio CD
I have listened to the "The Soul of Christmas", "Cathie Ryan", and "The Music of What Happens". I have enjoyed them all. "Cathie Ryan" is Cathie's first album on her own since Cherish the Ladies. Each song on this album has an interesting celtic origins which Cathie has related at her performances. I consider Cathie to be one of the top performers in Irish Music performing today. This album is a testament to that. I have met Cathie and seen her in performances and she puts everything into bringing the right atmosphere to a performance getting herself and the audience really into the music. She has actually lived through much of her music which makes it special. My favorites from the album are Ned on the Hill and White Dress. I am looking forward to another album by Cathie Ryan.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
A Rave Review!
17 Feb 1999
Format:Audio CD
Cathie Ryan's debut solo album is not only a "must-have" for Celtic and Irish music lovers, but for anyone who would appreciate her tender vocals and haunting scores. Particularly impressive is "The 12th of July". The album carefully weaves traditional songs with her own contemporary ballads, producing a mix of titles that is sure to reach a wide audience.
Lovely Voice
13 Feb 2010
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I purchased this CD because I've been listening to one of Cathie Ryan's songs, Carrick-A-Rede, for years, and it's one of my favorite songs. Upbeat, unique, and fun. That said, I was somewhat disappointed with this CD. Her voice is beautiful, and I like the style and arrangement of instruments. The music overall is soothing and calm. Her music reminds me somewhat of Maura O'Connell, a bit of Susan McKeown.
However, I found the CD boring overall. None of the songs stood out. The tunes weren't anything I haven't heard before, they were very similar to each other, and I didn't notice any particularly interesting lyrics. Ned of the Hill is a beautiful re-do, but I already had that song from Heart of the Celts: Songs of Love. Frankly, I recommend sampling the songs on Amazon or iTunes, because the 30-second clips will tell you all about the songs.
Rather than this one, I recommend this other CD of hers, which I purchased at the same time, The Music of What Happens.
However, I found the CD boring overall. None of the songs stood out. The tunes weren't anything I haven't heard before, they were very similar to each other, and I didn't notice any particularly interesting lyrics. Ned of the Hill is a beautiful re-do, but I already had that song from Heart of the Celts: Songs of Love. Frankly, I recommend sampling the songs on Amazon or iTunes, because the 30-second clips will tell you all about the songs.
Rather than this one, I recommend this other CD of hers, which I purchased at the same time, The Music of What Happens.
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