Search - Connie Dover :: If Ever I Reurn

A Textured Voice and a Rich Assortment of Songs

bethtexas | United States | 04/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's so neat to see so many artists these days catering to people with adult musical tastes who want a full-bodied, high quality musical experience with each album. Connie Dover is certainly one of those contributing to the cause.She is sometimes compared to Loreena McKennitt because they both compose music with a classical/Celtic feel. But there are some distinct differences. Connie's voice is more textured and earthy, though equally well trained. I would even go so far as to say she has a "better" voice, but there's so much personal taste involved in that judgment that maybe I should avoid the blanket statement. Loreena's voice is more ethereal, while Connie's voice is more lush. Connie's instrumentation is just a tad more conventional and understated, but only a tad.Some of the songs on this album are like "Celtic aires", with a heavenly sound. Others are soft, rich ballads with a hint of Irish flare. And some are more upbeat and jig-like. This is definitely one of Connie's best. And for people who have gotten addicted to this creative, classically styled, high quality genre, she is definitely an artist to introduce yourself to."

Unsurpassed

bethtexas | 12/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I still haven't found a Celtic artist I like as much as Connie Dover. Her voice is beautiful, and she never has weak moments. Her diction is perfect, as is her intonation. The instrumental accompaniment always enhances the mood of the song- from piano to fiddle to uillean pipes. Her songs are a nice variety of the older and newer, some with lyrics or melodies she has written herself. The harmonies are beautiful, particularly in La Fontaine. I can't say which of her albums is my favorite, but it might be this one. I listen to all of them frequently."

Connie Dover - as talented a composer as anyone I know of.

Alan Richards | London | 05/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The third of Connie Dover's solo CDs features a higher proportion of traditional Irish songs than in her previous two works, and she sings a song in French for the first time - but apart from that, 'If Ever I Return' delivers the usual delectable mix of ancient Scottish and American folk songs, and Connie's own modern compositions written in a traditional style, and executed with real feeling by this most gifted of artists. Eleven more lovely tracks to enjoy!Favourites on this CD include 'LA FONTAINE', which is a beautiful song with French lyrics, and a gorgeous melody composed by Connie Dover herself. Then there is 'MISS LILLIAN WILLIAMS', an instrumental piece, written by Connie in honour of her grandmother. ('An Air for Mary Tipton' on the 'Somebody' album, was also inspired by one of Connie's relatives - lucky relatives indeed to have someone like this to immortalise them with such beautiful music!) The CD also includes as it's eleventh track, 'HOW CAN I LIVE AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN?' - a very pleasant Irish song with a final flourish of bagpipes to close the album. The best and most touching lyrics on this CD may well be those of the great conservation song 'WHO WILL COMFORT ME?', but I think the prettiest melody of all is that to which 'NED OF THE HILL' is sung.On first hearing this CD, I felt it wasn't the best of Connie Dover's records. I felt that perhaps the musical accompaniment was a little less subtle than on 'Somebody' or 'The Wishing Well', and that the song selection was a little less attractive than on 'The Border Of Heaven'. But that's certainly no great criticism; it's still a superb collection of songs by any standards, and it's a CD which has grown on me the more I've listened. Superb songs apart, I would say it was Connie Dover's voice that first attracted me to all of her records - her diction is so clear that every word she sings can be understood (a rarity today). But the more I listen to her, the more I come to appreciate that she is also as talented a composer of music as anyone I know of, and that, I think, should be highlighted. Just listen to the lyrics to 'Who Will Comfort Me' and the melodies of 'Miss Lillian Williams' and 'La Fontaine', and I think you will agree. Connie Dover works in a genre which unfortunately receives scant attention from the mass broadcasting media; were her own compositions ever given the chance to come to wider public attention - then I cannot believe anything other than that her fame would dramatically and deservedly soar."