Aside from being a member of the Irish-American supergroup Solas, Winifred Horan has performed with Cherish the Ladies and the Sharon Shannon Band. She is an All-Ireland champion fiddler and step-dancer. Even so, given her... more » classical training, American upbringing, and especially, her restless creativity, it is not surprising that her first solo project would draw upon a rich assortment of influences. As a violinist, Horan has long since achieved a clear but dusky tone, and her flawless fingering and song-like bowing are set off here by intricate semi-acoustic settings. She wrote most of the tunes, but the set also has two pieces by Solas bandmate and journeyman composer Seamus Egan. Horan's own works owe more to French bal musette, manouche jazz, and Fellini soundtracks than to the Irish countryside. Ultimately, though, she is revealed as that rare roots player who can also make intelligent, personal music outside the traditional arena. --Christina Roden« less
Aside from being a member of the Irish-American supergroup Solas, Winifred Horan has performed with Cherish the Ladies and the Sharon Shannon Band. She is an All-Ireland champion fiddler and step-dancer. Even so, given her classical training, American upbringing, and especially, her restless creativity, it is not surprising that her first solo project would draw upon a rich assortment of influences. As a violinist, Horan has long since achieved a clear but dusky tone, and her flawless fingering and song-like bowing are set off here by intricate semi-acoustic settings. She wrote most of the tunes, but the set also has two pieces by Solas bandmate and journeyman composer Seamus Egan. Horan's own works owe more to French bal musette, manouche jazz, and Fellini soundtracks than to the Irish countryside. Ultimately, though, she is revealed as that rare roots player who can also make intelligent, personal music outside the traditional arena. --Christina Roden
CD Reviews
Underrated Elegance
Darin Kelly | Philadelphia, PA USA | 10/16/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When Irish music cognoscenti enter the debate entitled The Best Fiddlers In The World, the list is often populated-- and rightfully so-- with the usual suspects: Liz Carroll, Tommy Peoples, Martin Hayes, Eileen Ivers... the list goes on. Conspicuously absent, however, is the name of Winifred Horan. In spite the positively electric work she has displayed as a founding member of Solas, she remains largely in the role as a supporting member of an exceptional collective. Hopefully, her solo debut, "Just One Wish", will finally earn her the props she so richly deserves. Produced by Seamus Egan in their own Taro Studios, Horan's album of all original tunes is full of sweet surprises and rollicking energy. Oh, and by the way--she plays the fiddle with peerless technique and riveting style. By now, most know her story: As a young fiddler and step dancer, Horan momentarily stepped away from Irish music as a student at New England Conservatory, only to reacquire her passion and expertise as a fiddler after a stint as a dancer with Cherish the Ladies (later joining that band as a fiddler). But what sets her apart from most traditional fiddlers, and earns her a spot in the pantheon of the best of the best, is the huge palette of color and texture she draws from her instrument. Horan's sound is rich and full, almost viola-like in deepness and complexity. In some of the album's many elegant waltzes and mazurkas, Horan displays a keen sense of drama and flair, with a misty, almost Parisian accent. At other times, she turns up the heat and brightens her sound in a set of lighting-powered reels, played with boundless energy and flawless technique. To be sure, "Just One Wish" is not your everyday traditional Irish fiddle album; the tunes and arrangements here certainly and radically depart from the familiar session-style sound of the early Solas albums. But Horan is not satisfied with just being a face in the crowd of traditional fiddlers, nor should she be. While Carroll, Peoples, and the rest might continue to top the list, Win Horan most certainly deserves a place near the top. At the very least, she should be recognized for her nearly unparralled technical skill and exemplary musicianship. "Just One Wish" should earn her that consideration. Fair play to ye, Win!"
Just One Wish...More Winifred Horan CDs!
Jon Ligon | Morton, IL United States | 10/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Win is, quite simply, the finest fiddle player that I've ever heard and this disc is a tremendous showcase for her talent. In fact, I find it more consistently satisfying than my favorite Solas discs. I left this CD in my player for almost a month after first hearing it. My little Boston Terrier seems to really love it too! Get this disc. You will not be disappointed!"
CD with a punch
iamspy007 | Houston, TX | 10/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have never heard of Winifred Horan. I took a chance and bought the CD after reviewing the songs. This was a winner of a buy. Horan gives the best blend of notes and passion that make this one of my favorite CD's. It's clear and crisp type of sound that few artist have been able to achieve. This is a sleeper CD that I think should sky rocket to the top of the charts. I had several friends over placed her CD in my out changer about mid way. After her album comes on and a couple of songs play, everyone is asking about the CD."
Just one Winnie!
Philip G. L. Seaman | Hertfordshire, England | 05/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This debut album from Solas's ace fiddler,Winnie Horan, is a joy to listen to. There is a real mix of mood styles from the openeing track 'The Princess and the Frog' to the ultimate offering 'Albatross' (NOT the Fleetwood Mac classic)People will no doubt be used to Winnie's powerful interpretation of Irish jigs, reels and airs. This is a softer, but no less impressive, set of tunes that demonstrates a musical sensitivity and sense of fun. It's great to HEAR a musician really enjoying making music. An essential for every lover of fiddle music and those who would love to be."
Winifred Horan from Solas is solo!
Kate | 01/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love Solas and I love Winifred Horan, and I finally bought her latest solo album, Just One Wish. The tunes are powerful - I love the first track, 'The Princess and the Frog' as a uniquely slow reel whose rhythms dig deep inside. Another track of reels goes from sounding deeply sinister to beautifully light-hearted - this transition is gorgeous.
I'm not a huge fan of the waltzes that pepper this album, but they have their place. They just make me look forward to the reels and jigs that much more :-)"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1