Search - Solas :: Words That Remain

Words That Remain
Solas
Words That Remain
Genres: Folk, International Music, New Age, Pop
 
This recording from the Irish-American group Solas really makes the two national identities mix beautifully. They start with Woody Guthrie's "Pastures of Plenty," played as a roaring Irish ceili. Later they delve into poli...  more »

     
   
1

Larger Image

CD Details

All Artists: Solas
Title: Words That Remain
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 1
Label: Shanachie
Original Release Date: 10/20/1998
Release Date: 10/20/1998
Genres: Folk, International Music, New Age, Pop
Styles: Traditional Folk, British & Celtic Folk, Contemporary Folk, Celtic, Europe, Britain & Ireland, Celtic New Age
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 016351782328, 803680474556, 016351782328

Synopsis

Amazon.com
This recording from the Irish-American group Solas really makes the two national identities mix beautifully. They start with Woody Guthrie's "Pastures of Plenty," played as a roaring Irish ceili. Later they delve into politics, delivering a strong message over a strangely effective, upbeat musical bed in Peggy Seeger's "Song of Choice." It doesn't hurt that they invited Iris DeMent to share the vocal duties on this track, and she and Solas front singer Karen Casey give this song emotional impact. Guest input also includes banjoist Bela Fleck, some interesting bass work from Chico Huff, and a mixed bag of percussion and drums from John Anthony. But the core group is still deeply involved in the material that they have made a name with. The Irish dance sets still dominate the recording. John Doyle's guitar continues to provide a solid rhythmic bass that usually precludes the need for a drummer (even when they have one); Seamus Egan provides a broad palette of sounds on banjo, flutes, mandolin and percussion; Winifred Horan continues her notable fiddling; and Mick McAuley continues to expand his mastery of the squeezeboxes. Record number three for Solas still finds them on track, with a solid, all-acoustic lineup, a great choice of tunes, and a subtle new bi-directional course toward America and then back to Dublin. --Louis Gibson

Similarly Requested CDs

 

CD Reviews

Solas during their Prime! Pioneering Work!
Michael | Placerville, CA USA | 10/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Solas has changed recently since the departure of Karen Casey. I remember the good old days when this band gave Irish Traditional Music CPR while ripping through reels and jigs. There was world percussion and there was a driven pace set by John Doyle playing fast chord configurations. Karen was singing in both Irish Gaelic and English. High energy tracks followed by hauntingly beautiful songs. What fun! Their first four albums followed this frantic pace of inspired arrangements, with a little known tribute DVD to the old crew, "Solas," filmed during a concert with a supportive audience on Saint Patrick's Day in Burlington, Vermont. I strongly recommend all of the above Solas albums and DVD. With so little Irish Traditional Music on DVD, their DVD is a little known, but a rare gem."
The Best Celtic Music I've Heard
RedRover | Pittsburgh PA USA | 07/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"My sister knew of my passion for Celtic music and bought me this album for Christmas. The group is phenomenal and the music is lively. From folk songs to traditional jigs this album will brighten your day and lighten your heart. Some songs are English, some are in Galic and others are just instrumentals."
The Words That Remain
Melanie Hovey | KENOSHA, WI USA | 02/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"SOLAS continues to thrill listeners like me who are looking for world music they can get next to. SOLAS offers celtic music that makes you want to dance, beat a drum and sing along to. Whether the song is traditional or contemporary, you listen with a wink and a smile!"