Search - Donal Hinely :: Glass Stories

Glass Stories
Donal Hinely
Glass Stories
Genres: Country, Folk, Special Interest, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (14) - Disc #1

Infused by the unique sound of the glass harmonica, Glass Stories (2004) presents a hypnotic mixture of traditional and original music accompanied by cello and guitar. Glass Stories is Texas singer/songwriter Donal Hinely...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Donal Hinely
Title: Glass Stories
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: Scuffletown Records
Original Release Date: 5/15/2004
Re-Release Date: 10/1/2004
Genres: Country, Folk, Special Interest, Pop
Styles: Traditional Folk, Easy Listening
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 634479968624

Synopsis

Product Description
Infused by the unique sound of the glass harmonica, Glass Stories (2004) presents a hypnotic mixture of traditional and original music accompanied by cello and guitar. Glass Stories is Texas singer/songwriter Donal Hinely's third CD with Nashville producer and cellist David Henry who has worked with a wide range of artists including Cowboy Junkies, Josh Rouse, Vienna Teng, and Guster. The music Hinely coaxes from his home-made instrument--often called the glass harmonica--is lilting and ethereal. The haunting tones are produced by rubbing wet fingers across the rims of water-tuned wine glasses and brandy snifters and bring to mind the sound of a violin, a flute, an organ, or even at times a steel drum. On this offering, the glasses and cello blend to breathe new life to such classics as "Loch Lomond", "Ashokan Farewell", "Lord of the Dance", "The Parting Glass, " and the Beatles favorite "Strawberry Fields Forever." There are also a good number of original pieces including the standout title track and the Henry penned "Coffee Drinker's Lullaby." The marriage of the glasses with Henry's stellar cello seems a natural one with each instrument occupying its own harmonic range yet complimenting each other perfectly. The overall mood is quiet and reflective, though Hinely's "The Shakes" and "Not in Kansas Anymore" and Henry's aforementioned "Lullaby" are playful without breaking the spell.
 

CD Reviews

EERILY MAGICAL
Will Veda | Hamilton, OH USA | 12/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every year my daughter and I see Donal playing his amazing glass harmonica at the Ohio Renaissance Festival and every year we are just transfixed by his hypnotic talents. Plus, he is about the nicest person you would ever want to meet and happily recognizes us every time we're there.



When he asks for requests, most people plead for Stairway to Heaven or (heaven forbid) Freebird, but I always request an original. To my joy, the original he always plays is "Ruidoso Sunrise" which is included on this CD. The song has a melancholy feel, but its warmth is anything but sad.



His rendition of "Strawberry Fields Forever" would make Mr. Lennon smile. The ending song, "The Parting Glass" is a version of the beautiful song that the RenFest cast sings at the conclusion of the day and is a perfect ending for this incredible collection of magic."