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Kinnitty Sessions
Lunasa
Kinnitty Sessions
Genres: Country, Folk, International Music, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

It didn't take long for Lunasa to conquer the Celtic music scene, sealing the deal with a ton of strong notices for its self-titled debut Lunasa in 1997. Since then the band has established itself as a group of players' pl...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Lunasa
Title: Kinnitty Sessions
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: Compass Records
Release Date: 3/2/2004
Genres: Country, Folk, International Music, Pop
Styles: Traditional Folk, British & Celtic Folk, Celtic, Europe, Britain & Ireland
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 766397437729

Synopsis

Amazon.com
It didn't take long for Lunasa to conquer the Celtic music scene, sealing the deal with a ton of strong notices for its self-titled debut Lunasa in 1997. Since then the band has established itself as a group of players' players who can roar through a winding jig or reel without bruising it. With the unobtrusive upright bass as the only tweaking of the tradition, the band sticks to such time-honored Celtic instruments as flute, whistle, bodhran, fiddle and acoustic guitar -- the lightning playing of flutist Kevin Crawford and violinist Sean Smyth stand out here. The band again draws upon traditional reels, for the most part, but "Ballogan" is a gentle and noteworthy original from Crawford. Other highlights are the giddy jig "Maids In The Kitchen," the melancholy "The Dimmers," and the flute-driven "Walrus." Recorded live before a small invited audience at the supposedly haunted Kinnitty Castle in Ireland, the only scary thing about the session is the top-flight musicianship. --Tad Hendrickson

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Member CD Reviews

Melissa D. (marianas) from STANFORD, CA
Reviewed on 4/23/2007...
There only is one insert. The Wounded Hussar is my favorite piece.

CD Reviews

Another Great One
Matthew Schechter | San Francisco, California USA | 06/17/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)

"What can I say, Lunasa never ceases to impress. The musicianship and song compilation on this album are true Lunasa caliber. However, If you've yet to hear Lunasa, I think its best to start with Merry Sisters or Otherworld. Of all of Irish Trad, Lunsasa is consistently the very best in my opinion. Some cuts falter here and there, but I have never encountered a more skillful and talented band. That said, I do have three minor complaints for Knitty: 1) I can't say I love "Wounded Hussar." Pipe solo's are fun, but it's too much for a whole song. 2) Knitty, as a whole, lacks some of the creative meanders and flair of the earlier albums. This is surprising, as it is a live record. 3) Lastly, and this is pretty small, I wished they had mastered the tracks a bit better. The stereo separation isn't nearly as artistic as the other albums. This can be attributed to the live nature, however. So, all in all, another gifted release. If you don't have Knitty, but have the other CD's, buy this one. If you don't have any Lunsasa, start on another one (but you really can't go wrong)."
It's live, but you'd never know it
Stacey Peterson | MN, USA | 04/13/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I don't want anyone to be discouraged by my 4/5 star rating. Under normal circumstances, this would be a five-star review with the fullest enthusiasm. Lunasa has one of the most unique and impressive sounds in Celtic music, and this album is just a continuation of that great tradition. I am continually amazed by their music, as everyone should be.The reason "The Kinnitty Sessions" gets only four stars from me is simply that I was so excited by the claim on the back cover that the album was "recorded before an audience of invited guests inside the supposedly haunted walls of Ireland's Kinnitty Castle" and displays the "the storming intensity of a concert environment," only to discover no audience noise whatsoever. I mean, I was waiting for 40 minutes to hear even some polite applause, yet got nothing. The sound also seems a bit to perfect to be recorded in anything but a nicely prepared accoustic environment, much less a castle. Not that I'm accusing Lunasa of false advertising, but if you're going to claim a concert setting, let it SOUND like a concert, imperfections and all.Go buy this album, regardless. I just didn't want anyone to be disappointed like I was!"