Search - Karan Casey :: The Winds Begin to Sing

Another stunningingly beautiful CD from Karan

J. Scarff | Berkeley, CA United States | 04/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of all the great Irish women singers (Cathy Jordan of Dervish, Niamh Parsons, Delores Keane, etc), Karan Casey is my favorite. Karan is back with her second solo album after her superb debut "Songlines". The most striking difference in this CD are the spare arrangements compared to Songlines where the tracks included many of her band members from SOLAS. Here, accompaniment is provided mainly by Ted Barnes on guitar and bouzouki, with occasional appearances by Donald Shaw on piano, Michael McGoldrick on flute and Niall Vallelly on concertina (a treat). The focus is almost entirely on Karan's singing which in its slightly understated way brings enormous impact to the intense, often political, largely traditional songs she has chosen with several in Gaelic. Not quite as approachable as "Songlines", this CD a wonderfully thoughtful, fascinating, poetic and highly effective exploration of human dramas of the heart and war through song both old and new. Very highly recommended. And if you don't already have them, be sure to pick up SOLAS's first three CDs which feature Karan plus some mighty instrumental playing."

....where song and musicianship come together...

R. Smith | Minnesota | 03/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Karan Casey has the most incredible voice in music - Celtic or otherwise. Her "instrument" is expressive, without affectation; light, but at the same time strong and clear. A pure and unadorned "beauty" that sings and interprets the "word" without overwhelming or stealing it's importance. The CD's songs are largely traditional, but in many cases given newer chord progressions and harmonic twists that create tension on the slower songs, and add color and interest to the more standard folk songs. All featuring Karan's voice, the songs are paced and varied to maintain interest throughout. They are supported by, and equally divided between: uptempo, guitar driven songs; slower mood pieces simply and quietly supported by piano or synthesizer; with the remaining songs being led by straightforward, finger picked guitar. While every song sounds full and rich, there is still a transparency throughout that allows Karan's voice to stand front and center, and that leaves room for the supporting instruments to be clearly understood as well. The arrangements and playing are beautiful, creative, and wonderfully matched to Karan's singing. This is a beautifully composed, sung, played and produced collection of songs. And now thankfully, this is another "place" where song and musicianship have come together, feeding the need for musical expression, and making our musical lives a more satisfied place to spend time. Thanks for these blessings to Karan Casey and Donald Shaw."

ARTIST IN TOP FORM

Peter Damashek | Kobe, Japan | 08/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"James Taylor, what a voice. First time you hear it, it's like, how did that guy get such a soothing, intimate voice like that? Sweet, profound. Fast forward a few years to Karan Casey, and there! The same endearing vocal qualities----comforting, vulnerable, confident. A voice that compares to Sandy Denny, Astrud Gilberto, Sarah McLaughlin. Great command of vocal ornaments, a little like country singer George Jones that way. A little like Dick Gaughan's (sadly) now out of print "No More Forever." A recording you'll go back to for many years.The CD holds together well, nice continuity, good flow. Great production (for me, that means knowing how to say "no," as in no violin sections, no tambourines). Her "Songlines" CD was good, but more of a band effort, with Karan taking a backseat at times to the incredibly talented musicians she attracts. This effort is Karan at the top of her game---shining brilliantly over music that is still every bit as interesting as the more complex arrangements of previous work. Her choice of material reflects her position as THE vocal center of Irish traditional music. Her association with archivist Frank Harte assures the listener of a wealth of material that begs to be recorded. Knowing this CD is like sharing a secret with a friend. It's a wonderful effort. Thanks Karan!"