MACALLA: MNA NA hEIREANN - WOMEN OF IRELAND
Appropriately named after the famous song composed by Sean O'Riada, the air of which was performed to great success by the Chieftains for the soundtrack of "Barry Lyndon," this remarkable album was recorded and first released in 1984 by twenty-three women who came together as Macalla for International Women's Day. Many of these women musicians were not well-known back then, but have since made names for themselves on the traditional music scene. Indeed, among them were Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh (fiddle, vocals), Catherine McEvoy (flute), Mary MacNamara (concertina), Pearl O'Shaughnessy (fiddle), and Maureen Fahy (fiddle), to name but a few. Not surprisingly, the music on both vocal and instrumental tracks is lovely, sometimes even gorgeous, like the rendition of the title song, first sung solo by Seosaimhin Ni Bheaglaioch, then by the full group of singers, or the wonderful harmonies on "Aililiu na Gamhna." An album well worth rediscovering.
Rating: ****
Price: $21.99
Contents:
1. Song: An Cailin Aerach
2. Reels: O'Dowd's / The Union Reel
3. Song: Mna na hEireann
4. Jigs: An Seanduine Doite / Paddy Canny's
5. Song: Bhi Mise La
6. Reels: Blackberry Blossom / Lord McDonnell / Vincent Broderick's
7. Highlands / The Congress Reel
8. Song: Eibhlin Gheal Chiuin
9. Jigs: Cobblers / Strop the Razor
10. Song: Taimse 'gus Maire
11. Hornpipes: The Chancellor / Paddy Sullivan's
12. Song: Aililiu na Gamhna
