Search - Ceoltoiri Celtic Ensemble :: Women of Ireland

In a way, Ceoltoiri are a little reminiscent of the Chieftains, in that they take a slightly more orchestral--as opposed to rough and ready, session-type--approach to the music, framing it in a slightly more formal context. They're at their very best, however, when the music is framing Connie McKenna's lovely voice, which isn't a million miles from Steeleye Span's Maddy Prior. That isn't to say that the instrumental sets lack power--just that the songs seem to offer these women a greater focus. There are some interesting touches--clarinet and woodwinds here and there--but it's good to see them using traditional material, instead of adding to the already cluttered canon. In an age of Celtic proliferation, sorting the wheat from the chaff takes a strong act of will. But Ceoltoiri are definitely wheat. --Chris Nickson