World Beat - Celti

The Celtic Craze Continues

by Mary Ellen Gustafson

From the time the American public was introduced to "Enya" in 1988, with her #1 single "Orinoco Flow" from the "Watermark" album, Irish/Celtic/Gaelic music has gained wide spread interest throughout the world. Sales of her New Age Celtic music have steadily increased, as more and more artists from the Emerald Isle have appeared on the scene.

The next big "discovery" here in the U.S. was a band called "Clannad," whose single "Harry's Game" (released in 1982), was heard on a Volkswagen commercial of all places. But the history of both "Clannad" and "Enya" extends much further back than 1988. "Clannad" is a band made up of different members of the same family - of which Enya is a daughter - and really began back in the 50's. Times change and so do people, but Enya joined her family in Clannad in 1980, playing keyboards and doing back up vocals, until she broke onto the scene with her solo release "Watermark" in Europe in 1987. Her most recent album is nominated for a Grammy this year in the New Age category.

Not to be outdone, "Clannad" has found their own world wide success and is also nominated for a Grammy this year. What's the point of all this history? The New Age genre has become an outlet for many new bands and individuals recording their own versions of Celtic music. The music has even spawned a stage production called "Riverdance" based on various types of Celtic music and Irish dance. This month we have two new offerings from Windham Hill that are Celtic in nature, as well as a review of the "Riverdance" video. All three are very interesting additions to any collection of music and video.

Artist:	NIGHTNOISE
	(Johnny Cunningham, Brian Dunning, Triona Ni Dhomnaill, Micheal O' Domhnaill)
Title:	"The White Horse Sessions"
Label:	Windham Hill
Released:	1/97
Available:	Any Major Music Store
Reviewed By:	Mary Ellen Gustafson
Rating:	4 (On a Scale of 1-5)

If you're a fan of more "traditional" sounding Celtic music, this live recording from WHITENOISE should be right up your alley. Their eighth release, "The White Horse Sessions," was recorded in concert, and the end of each song is accompanied by enthusiastic audience response.

Of the twelve songs on this CD, ten are instrumentals, with the other two, "Shadow of Time" and "Heartwood," sung by Triona Ni Dhomnaill. One thing that makes this release so appealing, is the variety of sounds and styles throughout. Although the major instruments identifiable are flute, guitar, strings and keyboards, the combinations make it sound like a full orchestra. The mood and the pace of each song also adds to the interest.

From the lively, very Irish sounding opening number, "Silky Flanks," to the New Age sound of "Jig of Sorts," to the mournful, but touching, "Shuan," WHITENOISE covers the spectrum of music associated with the name "Celtic." They also manage to bridge old style tunes with the very new and exciting sounds coming from Irish artists.

Other outstanding tracks from this CD include "Moondance," which starts softly and slowly, then builds to a fast reel/jig; "The Cricket's Wicket," a piano and flute harmony with a light, airy sound until joined by the strings and guitar when the tone becomes a bit meloncholy with a beautiful melody; and the final track "At the Races," another very lively piece which showcases all the instruments and the talent of this fine group.

My only reason for not rating this album any higher is the "live" aspect. Although Windham Hill has done a masterful job of creating studio quality music from a live performance, I found the audience "participation" distracting and detracting from what is otherwise a very fine example of Celtic music.

Artist:	JEFF JOHNSON & BRIAN DUNNING
Title:	"Music of CELTIC LEGENDS - The BARD & The WARRIOR"
Label:	Windham Hill
Released:	1/97
Available:	Any Major Music Store
Reviewed By:	Mary Ellen Gustafson
Rating:	5 (On a Scale of 1-5)

This unusual release from the team of Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning, not only provides you with beautiful, expressive music, it's also accompanied by two short stories written by noted Celtic historian, Stephen Lawhead, exclusively to accompany this album. Re-telling the familiar legends of Taliesin and cuChulainn, two of the greatests heroes from Celtic lore, Lawhead created the perfect companion to Johnson and Dunning's musical interpretation of the two tales.

Contrary to what you might think, this particular album has more of a light, airy "laying in the grass in a sunny meadow watching the puffy white clouds travel across the sky" New Age feel to it than other Celtic music releases. With Jeff on Keyboards, Brian on everything from flute and pennywhistle to Uillean pipes and accordian, they were accompanied at various times by guest musicians Janet Chvatal (vocalist), Rick Crittenden (bassist), Tim Ellis (guitarist) and Brian Willis (drummer). Lawhead says of the album "It's evocative of the rich, multi-layered sensibility the Celts had. They had a reverence for this world, while at the same time they always looked into the next. Jeff and Brian did a great job putting forward that ethereal sensitivity."

Regardless if you, the record buyer, sees it as an interpretation of the legends, or simply a great album to listen to, Jeff and Brian HAVE accomplished an ethereal, ambient sound that merits a serious listen at one time; great background music during your busy day; or a perfect accompanyment to simple relaxation. The "legends" that come with the album (this is a package deal) are indeed the stuff of fairy tales, and should satisfy any fan of the Fantasy genre who recognize Stephen Lawhead as the author of the award-winning "Pendragon Cycle" and "Song of Albion." This is getting two forms of entertainment for the price of one!

It's difficult to pinpoint specific tracks as being more notable than others, simply because the album does interpret a story. All of the songs are melodic, make the most of the instruments used, create a specific mood, and flow into the next one. About the best thing I can tell you is if you like New Age or Celtic Music at all, find this wonderful CD/Book. It's well worth your time and money!

Title:	RIVERDANCE - The Show!
Starring:	Michael Flatley, Jean Butler, Maria Pages, Anuna, The Riverdance Irish Dance Company, The Riverdance Orchestra, International Stars from America, Russia and Spain
Label:	Columbia/TriStar Video
Released:	1995
Available:	Major Video Stores and by Mail Order
Reviewed By:	Mary Ellen Gustafson
Rating:	5 (On a Scale of 1-5)

If somehow in the past year you have missed the phenomena called RIVERDANCE, it's time for you to experience it. The musical/dance show that started as a 7 minute entry in a European talent contest has now grown to a full two act show featuring, Irish music and instruments, songs, Irish reels and jigs performed both traditionally an in the "Riverdance" fashion, Russian Folk Dancers and a Spanish Flamenco dancer touring throughout the world. This video was filmed live, with the original company, performing at the Point Theatre in Dublin, Ireland.

They've had a guest spot on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," were voted the most popular program aired on PBS during their last two pledge drives, and are packing the house every night in every city where they perform. So, you ask, what exactly is RIVERDANCE? I'll try to explain in a way that will convey the excitement and awe this "show" sweeping the world inspires.

A cast of 80 dancers, a band made up of professionals using traditional Irish instruments, along with 4 special drummers, bits of international music and dance incorporated with the Irish representation, and some of the most awe inspiring speed and precision dancing you will ever see - this is RIVERDANCE! The dancers perform what appears to be their own combination of Irish reels and jigs, old time clog dancing, and the best of tap dancing, to the tune of the Irish music performed. Their execution is flawless, the difficulty level undescribable, and all I can say is when all 80 dancers are performing their precision choreography at one time, it sends chills up your spine.

In between dance numbers, two different choirs, and a soloist, perform a capella musical numbers in voices that float on the air. The specialty instrument solos are also a new experience for most of us. The show is tied together with the idea that RIVERDANCE has incorporated moves from Russian Folk dancing and Spanish Flamenco to arrive at the end result - and samples of both are part of the show.

However, although the entire video is terrific, nothing can compare to the dance sequences performed by Michael Flatley, Jean Butler and The Riverdance Irish Dance Company. To hear every foot hit the floor at the same time, to see the precise movements that perform various patterns on the stage, to watch the height reached in ever jump while the dancers' arms hang straight at their sides in true Irish reel fashion, is nothing short of amazing. In response to the craze the show has started in the U.S., dozens of dance classes are popping up throughout the entire country for children of all ages to learn how to "Riverdance."

I'm really at a loss for words to describe any more of this video. If you've seen RIVERDANCE perform in person, or on television, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, you can't imagine what you're missing. In either case, it's well worth the $19.98 price tag to have the video in your collection, and enjoy for many years to come!

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