Various Artists There Was a Lady: The Voice of Celtic Women Genres:Folk, International Music, New Age Whether soft or fiery, traditional or contemporary, the voice and vision of Celtic women ring true on this wonderful set. A splendid compilation drawn from the Green Linnet catalog, focusing on solo artists and bands with ... more »female vocalists. The track listing is fairly eclectic, but entertaining throughout -- uniformly good enough that nothing stands out from the entire collection. A good place to start looking for an example of the female voice in Celtic music. ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide« less
Whether soft or fiery, traditional or contemporary, the voice and vision of Celtic women ring true on this wonderful set. A splendid compilation drawn from the Green Linnet catalog, focusing on solo artists and bands with female vocalists. The track listing is fairly eclectic, but entertaining throughout -- uniformly good enough that nothing stands out from the entire collection. A good place to start looking for an example of the female voice in Celtic music. ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide
CD Reviews
Exquisite Jewels
01/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Warning: This CD can be habit forming! These beautifully performed jewels of Celtic music will run through your head long after the CD player stops. Beginning with Mary Dillon's version of "Willie Taylor," the light-hearted song of the murder of an untrue lover, and ending with her haunting--almost eerie--rendition of "Dark Iniseoghain," the CD explores the depth and breadth of Celtic music. Dance reels are intermingled with beautiful ballads such as "There Was a Lady" and the Robert Burns song "Green Grow the Rushes Oh!" Perhaps the track that best embodies the intricate passions of the Celt, however, is Mairin Fahy's powerful performance of "Suil a Run," which is at once a toe-tapper and a heart-wrencher. But the most moving performance is Cathie Ryan's offering, "Roison Dubh." Her voice is so richly resonant that you may not notice at first that she is singing unaccompanied. This was without a doubt one of the best gifts that I have ever received. I consider it a MUST for everyone who loves Celtic culture."
An absolute delight!
Kathryn McNamara | Maryland, USA | 10/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a wonderful CD! I received it as a gift several years ago, and it still remains one of my absolute favorites today (I actually need to buy a new copy, because mine is starting to wear out).
It is a compilation of many well-known (and some not so well-known) female singers. Some of the standouts songs are Aoife Clancy's soothing "Green Grow the Rushes Oh," Triona Ni Dhomhnail's heartwarming "There was a Lady," and Mary Dillon's enchanting and mournful "Dark Iniseoghain."
I would highly recommend this CD to anyone with a love (or an interest in) traditional Irish music, as there is not a track on it that I dislike. It is truly outstanding!"
The Best CD of Celtic Women Out There
Kyris | Madison, WI | 05/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own a few cds of Celtic music, and this is by far the best--it is not 'easy listening' like other, more instrumental stuff. Each song says something (even if it's in a language you do not actually speak) and you have to Listen, not put in for background music. It is not 'fusion' celtic-techno even if it is not exactly folklore. Each song carries with it a certain authenticity that is nonetheless tempered by the present... you gotta have it!"
A Perfect Blend
Dennis Walsh | Arizona, USA | 04/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My daughter picked this up at a Celtic Festival and I listened to it with her on the way back. It became a favorite of mine instantly so I bought a copy for myself. It is a compilation of female artists, which gives it varying styles while retaining a degree of continuity. I know that is a general statement, but for me it has a perfect blend of ethereal sound (without getting dull) and liveliness (without getting noisy). I enjoy every track and recommend it as a gift."
