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Road Less Traveled
Danu
Road Less Traveled
Genres: Folk, International Music, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

For their third album, the youthful Irish band Danu has moved in a reflective, slightly country-tinged direction. There have been changes in the line-up, too; guitarist Donal Clancy (his father Liam was one of the original...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Danu
Title: Road Less Traveled
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Shanachie
Release Date: 10/21/2003
Genres: Folk, International Music, Pop
Styles: Traditional Folk, British & Celtic Folk, Celtic, Europe, Britain & Ireland
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 016351785725, 669910129869

Synopsis

Amazon.com
For their third album, the youthful Irish band Danu has moved in a reflective, slightly country-tinged direction. There have been changes in the line-up, too; guitarist Donal Clancy (his father Liam was one of the original Clancy Brothers) adds a slant of golden afternoon light to the instrumentals, and Muireann Nic Amhranai's straightforward yet evocative alto has replaced Ciaran O'Gealbhain's otherworldly tenor. There is also a delightful guest turn by fiddler John Sheahan, whose bow channels the searing, treble-laced tone and weightless attack of the legendary traveling players. The current set list easily confirms Danu's mastery of Irish traditions but they have also gone questing beyond the Celtic pale, essaying an American folk tune ("Peg And Awl") and "Farewell, Farewell" by British folk-rocker Richard Thompson. They make both their own, much as their embattled forebears, when forbidden to speak Gaelic, transformed the English language into something altogether mystical and grand. --Christina Roden

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CD Reviews

New singer, same brilliance
Paul Magnussen | Campbell, CA USA | 10/21/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album (their fourth) sees the departure of singer Ciarán O Gealbháin; but although the band's sound is changed, it's none the worse. His replacement is Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, and she has an amazing voice for such a petite lady -- reminiscent of Niabh Parsons, or perhaps Mary Black. Her songs (in both Gaelic and English) are among the strongest tracks. She also plays penny whistle.



Donal Clancy (formerly of Solas) likewise replaces Noel Ryan on guitar (playing in dropped D tuning as opposed to Noel's DADGAD, for those of you who are interested).



Apart from that, the mixture is as before -- wonderful, carefully arranged instrumentals and songs, by one of the best acoustic Irish bands ever. Polkas and slides round out the usual reels and jigs, and the Dubliners' John Sheahan guests on a couple of hornpipes. Donnchadh Gough's piping seems to be getting better and better, if that were possible.



One of the best releases this year. If you get the chance to see them live, don't miss it.



The total time is 51'09"."
Irish music as good as it gets
J. TIMMERMAN | Lawson, NSW Australia | 06/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Danu is an Irish traditional music group based in Co. Waterford, made up of seven young musicians from counties Waterford, Dublin, Kerry and Donegal. Their third album is a vibrant traditional affair of instrumentals and songs, all skilfully arranged using a wide array of instruments like accordion, fiddle, guitar, uilleann pipes, whistles, bouzouki and bodhran. The medleys move along at an urgent pace, each member taking turns to strut their stuff, while Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh's singing is as sweet and attractive as it comes. Tommy Sand's "County Down", the North American "Peg and Awl", Richard Thompson's "Farewell Farewell" (made famous by Sandy Denny), and various Gaelic songs have a delightful poignancy, while the many instrumentals are bright, energetic and joyful. It is clear that this very cohesive band is steeped in tradition and enjoys being so. Delightful."
Excellent New Album
C. Fuller | San Francisco, CA USA | 10/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently saw this new incarnation of Danu with Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh live at a music festival. If you like traditional Irish music, an act not to be missed. I purchased the album then and I have not stopped listening to it since. Amhlaoibh adds an exciting new dimension to the band with her beautiful voice. Before this album Danu was an excellent Irish band. With this album, it enters the ranks of the great Irish bands."