Crack open a Guinness. We're talking some real flavour here. I expected to hear a band with some good Celtic sounds but what came out of the speakers was a real brand of Irish ceol/music. And what more do you want from a band that carries its style as a name.

Gaelic Storm kicks right into the mood with a rousing "Beggarman", a traditional tune that brings the celtic fuil/blood to a flaming boil. So convincing is the track that I felt that I was in a bar, enjoying the music/ceol. So engaging that I submerged myself in the flood of realism that washed over me like a warm and wonderfully pleasant rainfall But the tunes change and bring various styles into the whole affair, everyone of them a branded Irish gem.

The beautiful "Swimmin' in the Sea" with it's instrumentation that validates the experience that you are immersed in, providing lyrics of storytelling and nostalgia. There are spectacular ceolmhar/musical pieces that are like fireflies on a balmy summer evening where you are enrapt with wonder. The music is captivating.

"Black is the Colour" issues a tone of depth that is encapsulated in this ode to love, the music wrapping the song in a mist of poetry. The same is said for nearly every song in this collection. They all bring interaction and immersion that is a rare and unique gift.

The vocal chores are shared given the particular mood that each vocalist can impart to the song they embrace. Musically, the sounds are entrancing. Like faerie dust sprinkled, they transport to another world not easily visited otherwise.

The arrangements on this disc are incredible. With a multitude of instruments, all used to weave the enchantment that is dispensed freely, this disc is a real charmer. All instruments are equally mixed to provide the full bodied head of this brew of Gaelic traditionals and Irish originals from Gaelic Storm.

I'm looking forward to their next disc. In addition, I'll be watching for a concert date so that I can experience this band in a live setting. They have to be unreal. Because they are just that on this disc.

Do yourself a favour. Click on the CD cover and treat yourself to a real winner.

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Gaelic Storm
Tree

Released: June 19, 2001
Origination Year: 2001
Time: 59:41
Tracks: 14
Produced by: Jim Cregan
Engineered by: Eddie DeLena
Mastered by: Doug Sax
Style: Studio
Format: CD
Enhancement: None
Label: Higher Octave
Website:
www.gaelicstorm.com

Beggarman
Before The Night is Over
Johnny Tarr
Swimmin' in the Sea
The Plouescat Races
Black is the Colour
Mary's Eyes
New York Girls
An Poc Ar Buile
Thirsty Work
I Thought I Knew You
Go Home, Girl
Midnight Kiss
Walk Through My Door