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Holy Ground
Mary Black
Holy Ground
Genres: Folk, International Music
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

The Holy Ground is Mary Black's first completely successful attempt to blend the pop and traditional sides of her musical personality. Even though the music itself contains few overt Celtic references--the only traditional...  more »

     

CD Details

All Artists: Mary Black
Title: Holy Ground
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Capitol
Release Date: 4/28/1994
Genres: Folk, International Music
Styles: Traditional Folk, British & Celtic Folk, Contemporary Folk, Celtic
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 715187764828

Synopsis

Amazon.com
The Holy Ground is Mary Black's first completely successful attempt to blend the pop and traditional sides of her musical personality. Even though the music itself contains few overt Celtic references--the only traditional instruments used are the occasional fiddle or tin whistle--Black's supple soprano is so unmistakably Irish that she could sing in front of a kazoo orchestra and you would know she was from Dublin. Black is not a songwriter, but she has a gift for choosing the perfect song to match her voice, including some from contemporary folk music's strongest songwriters like John Gorka, Gerry O'Beirne, and Jesse Winchester. Also included are a handful of songs from Noel Brazil, a songwriter Black has turned to time and again, and a lovely version of Sandy Denny's "One Way Donkey Ride." Irish music purists may dismiss the music of Mary Black as modern pop music, but her magnificent voice and soulful delivery are deeply rooted in the Celtic tradition, and her renditions of traditional songs such as the title track rank among the finest modern performances of these ancient melodies. --Michael Simmons

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CD Reviews

A Mary Black Essential
bethtexas | United States | 01/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is among the albums that Mary Black fans will point to as "essential."To be honest, I didn't really fall in love with it on my first listen. I could tell it was a GOOD album, but at first, I wasn't sure it was a GREAT album. Her voice was strong and clear, but there was nothing very unusual about it. It was just like your basic good voice. Also, the songs were very pretty, but they kind of came across as ordinary ballads - nothing jumped out at me. With repeated listenings though, I gradually "got it". The power of this album is a subtle one, but once you find its beauty, you'll never again understand why you didn't hear it on the first listen. Mary Black sings with a pure, honest spirit that creates the most subtle glow around each Irish folk ballad. She is baring her soul with each note, but she doesn't do it with raw power - she does it with a tender heart and an honest lilt. The aura around her singing is unmistakable once you begin to hear it.The songs too became more enchanting to me with each listen. ONE WAY DONKEY RIDE is a genuinely sympathetic ballad, and Mary Black's rendition is particularly heartfelt. Some of the love stories told on the album are warm with innocence, and biting with pain. And I've come to really love the song PAPER FRIENDS too, just because its simple message about knowing who your real friends are and aren't is so welcoming.HOLY GROUND is definitely quintessential Mary Black!"
Outstanding!
bethtexas | 08/28/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have all of Mary's CDs and find this one to be the one I listen to the most. The song selection on this album couldn't be better and Mary's marvelous voice brings a deep meaning to each one. As other reviewers have observed, the lead track and the closing track have a haunting dissimiarity. I love everything Mary has recorded but this is the very best in my opinion."
Beautiful, soulful music
Linda Witt | Canada | 02/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard Mary Black's "Holy Ground" album for the first time during a visit to the UK, and fell head over heels in love with her voice and music. Although I don't own this album, it's currently at the top of my "wish list"! It's fantastic."