10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent sampling of traditional Irish music, 17 Jun 2001
By J. Scarff - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Rough Guide to Irish Folk: First Edition (Audio CD)
The Irish version of this series diverts around many of the biggest names in Irish music, but still brings an interesting selection of 20 songs and tunes from many, very competent musicians who live outside the brightest spotlights, but definitely deserve your notice. The CD features excellent cuts from some of my favorites including tin whistle players extraordinaire Brian Hughes and Seán Ryan, Cherish the Ladies, Dé Danaan, fiddler Paddy Glacknin, Déanta, Jackie Daly, singer Seán Tyrell, and Craobh Rua. The highlight for me was uillean piper Declan Masterson's absolutely ripping an amazing set of reels. Very good liner notes.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A "Various Artists" CD with loads of talent., 7 Mar 2003
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Rough Guide to Irish Folk: First Edition (Audio CD)
I usually avoid "various artists" CD's due to mediocre talent being involved. In consideration of Ireland, it must be said that there is a wealth of real talent that is never recognized outside of Ireland. Many musicians are content to simply impress their friends with local recordings or pub performances. While I can't rank this CD with specific artist CD's, this is still a strong example of what the U.S. would declare as "undiscovered" talent. If this is your introduction to traditional Irish music, this is a good start. Please see my other reviews of "undiscovered" groups such as Nomos and Arcady. If you get serious about traditional, accoustic Irish Music, the Dervish "Live in Palma" or "Decade" albums are required listening and must have's for any collection.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Irish Folk: SECOND EDITION [2009], 16 Oct 2009
By brazuka - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Rough Guide to Irish Folk: Second Edition (Audio CD)
THE PREVIOUS REVIEWS ARE FROM THE FIRST EDITION, RELEASED IN 1999
World Music Network, 2009, RGNET 1226, 67 minutes
Bonus CD: Karan Casey "Ships in the Forest" (2008) - 46 minutes
This is the second edition from the Rough Guide to Irish Folk.
Digipack, with a informative booklet in English, French and Spanish.
Disc features music and travel text from Rough Guides.
There are many different styles from Irish music: lovely ballads by Patrick Street - "The Rich Irish Lady" (led by Andy Irvine on top form), Seamie O'Dowd - "Crooked Jack" and Robbie O'Connell - "The Flower of Kilkenny".
There are songs in gaelic: "Beauty Deas An Oileáin" sung by Julie Fowlis, "Pota Mór Fataí" sung by Róisín Elsafty and "Jimmy Mó Mhíle Stór" sung by Cara Dillon.
There are extraordinaire jigs and reels, played with passion and beauty, by wonderful musicians like Sharon Shannon (accordion), Catherine McEvoy (flute), Frankie Gavin (fiddle), Arty McGlynn and Graham Dunne (guitar).
Two highlights: the instrumental "Tripin'" with Martin Tourish (piano accordion) and Luke Ward (bouzouki) from the album CLAN RANNALD (2005) and the song "St Patrick Was A Gentleman" by the group Rattle The Boards from the album THE PARISH PLATFORM (2008), featuring guest vocalist comedian John Kenny.
Don't miss the party.