My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From 'Titanic')-Pop Mix
There's something to be said for specialization in any field--and that includes the music biz. Davy Spillane plays Uilleann pipes, which isn't exactly like playing the bass. You don't get calls to every session. But if you... more »'re a world-class Uilleann pipe player of Spillane's rank, the likes of Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor, and Elvis Costello come calling when a particle of piping is required. The Sea of Dreams finds the veteran woodwind player continuing to explore his muse as a leader. Unwaveringly cinematic in scope, Spillane's music conjures images of rolling hills and crashing waves. O'Connor, who employed Spillane on her 1987 Gospel Oak EP, returns the favor here, singing "The Dreaming of the Bones" and "Danny Boy." That latter warhorse is particularly striking; say what you will about Sinead, she's always been a commanding interpreter. Her presence brings this Irishman's ethereal music down to earth, where at least a portion of it belongs. --Steven Stolder« less
There's something to be said for specialization in any field--and that includes the music biz. Davy Spillane plays Uilleann pipes, which isn't exactly like playing the bass. You don't get calls to every session. But if you're a world-class Uilleann pipe player of Spillane's rank, the likes of Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor, and Elvis Costello come calling when a particle of piping is required. The Sea of Dreams finds the veteran woodwind player continuing to explore his muse as a leader. Unwaveringly cinematic in scope, Spillane's music conjures images of rolling hills and crashing waves. O'Connor, who employed Spillane on her 1987 Gospel Oak EP, returns the favor here, singing "The Dreaming of the Bones" and "Danny Boy." That latter warhorse is particularly striking; say what you will about Sinead, she's always been a commanding interpreter. Her presence brings this Irishman's ethereal music down to earth, where at least a portion of it belongs. --Steven Stolder
"I have heard the powerful pipes of Davy Spillane almost everywhere. With Enya, with Maire Brennan, on the original Riverdance, on "Celtic Solstice" with Paul Winter, and on Adiemus's "The Eternal Knot". He seems to me to be the best uillean piper of Ireland, but this is the first time I've heard his own music, and I am very impressed. "The Sea of Dreams", starts with the very uplifting "River of Drums", in which the pipes play a very slow, flowing rythm. The rest of the music continues that mood, with the guitar and keyboard adding to the mood. Sinead O'Conner even plays a role in "Dreaming of the Bones" and "Danny Boy 'The Derry Air'"(she does well with traditional music) on track 7. Track seven actually combines Danny Boy and the Londonderry Air, two songs with the same tune, but different lyrics. All of the tracks of this album provide a dazzling blend of Celtic and pop music, with the harmonies and melodies of the low whistle and uillean pipes. I adored the traditional sounds of "Inagh",the dramatic sounds of "Equinox", and the very simple, poignant "The Morning Dew". One of the best tracks is "Midnight Walker", one of Spillane's greatest hits. It's a musical piece that gave good influence to Paul Winter, and was the prequal to "Dawnwalker". Spillane has done well in influencing the musicians and artists he has worked with, for his music brings great wonder and inspiration to those who hear. Those who love the unique sounds of the uillean pipes and want soothing music well feel at home hear."
DAVY SPILLANE BLACKSHEEP OF THE PIPERS.
FRANKIE GRIFFIN | Cork City,Ireland | 11/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The opening track on Sea of Dreams River of Gems is Davys second undertaking of this tune also Daires dream and May morning Dew have appeared before on recordings,the first two tracks I mention are previously available on Davys first solo album Atlantic Bridge,although the production here is far superior to the origional recordings,the track May Morning Dew previously appeared on the Moving Hearts final album The Storm a milestone in Irish music.Midnight Walker was first recorded on the album Pipedreams,and Equinox appears on Shadow Hunter.This leaves us with Big Sea Ballad,Dreaming Of The Bones featuring Sinead O Connor on vocals,the beauitiful haunting Inagh,Danny Boy also featuring Sinead and the title track The Sea Of Dreams,but I must admit here its the bonus track which sticks out for me,My Heart Will Go On(theme from Titanic minus Celene Dion).All in all I would have to say because I have followed Davys career through out the 80s and have purchased everything in the past this album comes across to me personally as a sort of compilation of remixed Davy Spillane tunes,this is not to say I am dissappointed with this offering,this album is a fantastic tribute to the Irish Uilleann Pipes played by the greatest piper in the world today,Davy has singlehandedly taken Irish music by the scruff of the neck(to coin a phrase)and shown the world what an emotional instrument the Uilleann Pipes are,I take my hat off to you Davy Spillane,continued success."
Beautiful, but not traditional Irish
quiz7 | Arizona | 09/16/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
""Sea of Dreams" is moody, ethereal and outright spacey. If you like Nightnoise and Enya, you'll love this CD. If you want anything resembling traditional Irish reels and jigs, you won't find it here. Contemporary keyboard sounds and dirge-like tempos water down the Irish tone of the arrangements. Davy Spillane is outrageously talented and a master technician but I'm personally disappointed to see him move farther and farther afield with this....Irish meditation music."
"I stand corrected, Davy Spillane keeps getting better!"
Karin L. Gibby | 04/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In a review of Davy Spillane's "Pipedreams", I said "I didn't think he could get any better than the previous releases." I stand corrected, Davy Spillane Keeps Getting Better! I thought he was at his best. This 1998 release happily proves me wrong. "The Sea of Dreams" is so hauntingly beautiful, it touches the soul. The mellow voice Sinead O'Connor on "The Dreaming of the Bones" and the classic "Danny Boy" will thrill her fans, and make new ones of those unfamiliar with her breathy, heartfelt style. It includes another version of my personal favorite, "Midnight Walker" from Pipedreams. Wonderful background music for most any situation (use your imagination). If you are unfamiliar with his music, this is the CD I would recommend to get your feet wet; after that you'll dive right into the rest of them . If you want soulful, meditative pipes, then your satisfaction is guaranteed. Thanks Davy, for sharing your gift with the world."
I'm hooked!
Karin L. Gibby | 01/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first became aware of Davy Spillane and his hauntingly beautiful music when I saw the movie "Wurthering Heights" with Ralph Fiennes. I was hooked from the first note. I was disappointed to learn that the sound track was not available to purchase, however, I did purchase the "Sea of Dreams" CD, and have become a forever fan of Mr. Spillane's. I will continue to purchase his CD's both past and future."