| CD REVIEW (This review has also been published at www.to-nite.net) |
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| If you're looking for a solidly produced (Jason Cuddy set of Celtic sing-a-long jigs and anthems, look no more, for here it is! Wittily titled (as "�ire" is Gaelic for "Ireland"), it starts off the fun with a song I actually first heard by Metallica(!) - "Whiskey in the Jar" - and covers a gamut of traditional and well-known favourites such as "The Wild Rover", "Danny Boy", "God Save Ireland", "Johnson's Motor Car" and "Black Velvet Band". This is interactive party music, to be sure! The only way it could be improved is to hear it "live", as these multi-talented performers are just as much at home on stage as off! The CD includes a couple of original tracks by Fresh �ire, "A Pint Will Have to Do" and "Six Days at McVeigh's" (their regular Toronto haunt at Church and Richmond Streets), as well as a brilliant and catchy little gem of a "musical doublet" penned by Joe and Seamus Williams called "The Old Barn Door (Was The Table We Had)", which reverses itself five times to complete the composition! This collection of wildly raucous tunes is offset beautifully by the inclusion of "Danny Boy" and "Fields of Athenry", on which Dan Williams demonstrates a set of lungs to rival Scottish ex-patriot, John McDermott (formerly of the three Irish tenor), any day. What is really special to hear, though, is the magical blend of instruments and harmonies which prevails throughout the entire CD. Fresh �ire is comprised of Dan Williams on lead vocals, bodhran and tin whistle, Des Leahy on 12-string and acoustic guitars and vocals, John McGoldrick (a.k.a. Megoldrick) on acoustic guitar, banjo and lead vocals, and Mike Boyle on mandolin, octave mandolin, tenor banjo and vocals. Daniel Gordon (on piano) appears as a special guest. Also appearing is the Hartford Street Choir (Keith Cusack, Colin Magee, Robert Twiner and John Williams, producer and fiddler Jason Cuddy and bassist Mark Yanetta). Female choral accompaniment is provided by Jennifer Kew, Christine Kizik, Sara Kuhlmann, Mary-Jo Twiner and Roxy. I'd also like to mention that these extremely modest folks, instead of reiterating their autobiographies and backgrounds in the liner notes, have taken the time and effort to include anyone who means anything to them in both their lives in general and for this CD specifically. While graciously covering themselves for omitting any names, they have also acknowledged thanks to the Toronto Maple Leafs, our Mayor, Mel Lastman, E.Y.L.E. (Gail), Long & McQuade, Montana and "the man upstairs himself". Bless your little 'earts! For party animals everywhere, whatever your ethnic origin, this CD is a treasure. And for a real treat, make sure you check them out "live" in your friendly neighbourhood pub. |
| A BREATH OF....FRESH EIRE CD Review by a Wee Mischievous Fairy |
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| FRESH EIRE (Mike Boyle, Johnny McGoldrick, Des Leahy & Dan Williams) |