Search - Solas :: Hour Before Dawn

Hour Before Dawn
Solas
Hour Before Dawn
Genres: Folk, International Music, New Age, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

Solas have become one of the world's most exciting Celtic bands by combining a respect for tradition with an adventurous musical spirit. On their fourth CD, The Hour Before Dawn, they gently stretch the boundaries of Irish...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Solas
Title: Hour Before Dawn
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 1
Label: Shanachie
Original Release Date: 10/10/2000
Release Date: 10/10/2000
Album Type: Enhanced
Genres: Folk, International Music, New Age, Pop
Styles: Traditional Folk, British & Celtic Folk, Celtic, Europe, Britain & Ireland, Celtic New Age
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 016351784124, 803680474457

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Solas have become one of the world's most exciting Celtic bands by combining a respect for tradition with an adventurous musical spirit. On their fourth CD, The Hour Before Dawn, they gently stretch the boundaries of Irish music by adding new instrumental textures and more sophisticated harmonies. Led by Seamus Egan's flute and banjo, the band whips through the sets of dance tunes with authority and style. John Doyle continues to expand the vocabulary of Irish rhythm guitar while laying down a solid beat that lets the melodies of fiddler Winifred Horan and accordionist Mick McAuley soar. But as good as the instrumentals are, the songs with vocals are where Solas truly shine. The band's new lead singer, Dierdre Scanlan, has replaced Karan Casey, who left to pursue a solo career. Scanlan is equally adept on ancient ballads like "When My Love and I Parted," where she is accompanied only by Horan's violin, and contemporary songs like "I Will Remember You," which Egan cowrote with Sarah McLachlan. She has an earthy voice that reminds us that despite the band's instrumental prowess, the roots of Irish music are in song. --Michael Simmons

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Member CD Reviews

Cam G. (Cam) from ALPHARETTA, GA
Reviewed on 2/9/2012...
Enjoyed this CD... Great traditional tunes.

CD Reviews

Their most disappointing album so far...
A traditionalist | Milwaukee, WI | 11/23/2000
(1 out of 5 stars)

"Although it was inevitable, I knew that eventually Solas would sell out to growing number of people in the so-called "pan-Celtic" music crowd. It is now obvious that Solas has decided to forget about all aspects of traditional Irish music just to appeal to a larger audience; but they continue to categorize themselves as a traditional Irish group. With all of the bass, percussion (a disgrace in itself), and guitar on this album, I'm surprised it's still in the Irish/folk section of any music store. Not only does this heavy use of rock arrangements and instruments alienate traditional music supporters like me, it is reinforcing the idea that this is what Irish music is all about, and I can tell you that it definitely isn't. In this sense, each album has been progressively worse, with more incorporation of exotic percussion and a variety of collaborations with non-Irish musicians. Thus, there isn't much room left for Irish music on this album or a similar album, nor is there a chance to showcase the band's exceptional playing of traditional music. Although I have great respect for the individual musicians' abilities, I feel that their talent is being wasted as the band stops focusing on traditional music, and more on accompaniment and arrangements. So if you are a fan of world and especially rock music, you will probably like this album. Nevertheless, fans of real Irish music should stay away."
SOLAS STILL SHINING BRIGHTLY
jstraw73 | Bethlehem, PA USA | 10/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I echo the sentiments of the fan from Chagrin Falls and Scott Humphreys. I believe that this new release will culminate in yet another Indie award for the band (each of their previous three releases won best new independent album of the year). I have been a fan since their first album. Yes, the personnel have changed with the departures of John Williams, Karan Casey, and now John Doyle. However, each one of those talented musicians has been replaced with top notch artists. Mick McCauley (accordian, concertina, low whistle and vocals) truly steps out of the shadows and flourishes on this CD. Dierdre Scanlon (from County Tipperary) has now been with the band for a little more than a year and her voice is pure and lovely. I particularly love her on the lamenting "The Last of the Great Whales" on this new CD. Newest member, Donal Clancy, was a fine choice to replace the remarkable John Doyle (who does, in fact, leave his last mark with the band on the "The Hour Before Dawn," as correctly pointed out by the fan from Chagrin Falls). Donal Clancy is the son of one of the famous singing Clancy Brothers, and most recently was playing with Eileen Ivers. Although Mr. Clancy does not appear on this CD, I have seen Solas twice in the past few weeks and I can testify that the band loses nothing with Donal's impressive playing. Original members Win Horan (fiddle) and Seamus Egan (everything) continue to amaze, both in their individual virtuosity and in their ability to attract bandmates who are clearly at the top of their games. The lovely Ms. Horan is simply unbelievable in her lightning playing of jigs and reels. However, I find myself especially partial to her playing of slow airs, such as "A Little Child" on the new CD, which just seems to tug at the heart. As for Seamus, "he is the man!" He seems to reach down and pick up a different instrument on every tune, whether it be his trademark flute, banjo, tin whistle, low whistle, guitar or whatever. As remarkable as he is, it is refreshing to see him make certain that everyone in the band gets a chance to shine. Perhaps most fun of all, however, is when all the band are playing together. I know it is cliche to call a band tight, but quite frankly, no band does it better than these folks. If you have been a fan of SOLAS, don't let the lineup changes keep you from buying this CD. If you are new to the band, this would be an excellent starter CD. I can't wait for their next recording!"