Search - Gaelic Storm :: Tree

A different side of Gaelic Storm

Robert Shepard Jr. | USA | 06/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the CD notes, Gaelic Storm asks the playful question 'Why ... did they call it "Tree?"' The answer appears to be because they're starting to branch out in different directions.This, the group's third CD, is markedly different from its predecessors. Gone, for the most part, is the downright frenzied tempo that had been the hallmark of Gaelic Storm since before they appeared on Titanic. I particularly miss that wonderful, virtuoso harmonica playing which was so prominent in "Herding Cats".The biggest difference has to be the group's makeup. Mysteriously gone is Samantha Hunt, to be replaced by Kathleen Keane. Unlike Samantha, Kathleen sings -- a couple of songs all by herself. While her voice is pleasant, it's a bit too breathy for my tastes. And of course, the choruses tend to have a lighter sound, since they're no longer purely masculine.With the amount of energy packed into the first two CD's, I began to wonder how long it would be before these guys mellowed out -- or spontaneously combusted. Sure enough, they're mellowing. I have visions of CD #7, in 2012, sounding rather like the Chieftains ....Another difference is in the songs themselves: the group is relying less on traditional works and more on their own creations, which have a more "modern" sound to them, and contemporary themes to match.Still, despite my reservations, I find this to be a fine CD and worth the money. My favorite track is "The Beggarman", precisely because it sounds the most like the old Gaelic Storm. My other favorite is "Swimmin' in the Sea", one of their home-grown melodies, and downright melancholy. It makes me want to head for the nearest coast in all possible haste. And there are three lively all-music tracks for your toe-tapping enjoyment.The only recommendation I would make is to consider listening to the earlier CD's first, before moving on to this one. That way you can listen to Gaelic Storm evolve."

A good time, with some heartstrings tugged along the way

Robert Shepard Jr. | 02/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First, the disclaimer: this is the only bit of Irish/Gaelic/Celtic music I own (matter of fact, I know so little about the genre I don't even know what to to call it!) I initially bought this album for a boyfriend who was into Celtic music, after sampling it at a listening post in a music store and thinking he'd like it. Well, I was right and he loved it. We both did -- and now the boyfriend's gone, but I made sure to keep the CD!!"Tree" is a stirring, evocative album from beginning to end. Before the Night is Over is a great tune to wind yourself up with, Mary's Eyes is deeply soulful, and Beggarman is irresistably toe-tapping. I was especially impressed by Gaelic Storm's ability to cover such a range of emotions on a single album, and not have any one song feel out of place. I can play the delightful romp of Johnny Tarr over and over again, and at the same time I'm also hitting the "repeat" button on my CD player for the haunting Walk Through My Door.If you think you might like Celtic music but don't know much about it, this is a great CD to have on your shelf. There isn't one tune that's not to like. My only regret, after having read some other reviews on this page, is that I haven't had the chance to see Gaelic Storm play live - a deficiency I intend to remedy as soon as possible!"

Branching out?

spiral_mind | Pennsylvania | 04/22/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tree. According to some, it was chosen for this album's title because Gaelic Storm is branching out beyond their brand of Irish music. Onstage, singer Patrick Murphy claims instead that the reason is just that it's their third album ("one, two, tree.") Hmm.. so they're trying new things, and yet they're still refusing to take themselves seriously. Good news for a band that still dedicates some tunes "to the terminally immature."If you want something serious.. well, there's some seriously stunning musicianship and gorgeous singing here. And in fine rollicking form, for every meaningful tune there's a lighthearted jig to give you a good laugh and get your feet moving. They give a rousing 'carpe diem' in "Before the Night Is Over" and follow it up right away with "Johnny Tarr"'s tale of a man who took that advice too far. "Mary's Eyes" (a fantastic vocal turn by new fiddlemistress Kathleen Keane) can wring tears from almost anyone with even a slight Irish streak. "An Poc Ar Buile" continues the bawdy silliness, although it would be more widespread if all but one verse weren't sung in gaelic. (To give an indication, that title means "The Crazy Goat.") "Go Home Girl" sounds like a traditional non-love song until the final punchline. You might expect a slow ballad in "Midnight Kiss" from looking at the title, but it's one of the most rousing tunes on the album - quite a feat, considering the kicking energy we hear from the first minute of the hyper "Beggarman."There's nothing groundbreaking about a set of traditional Irish tunes, but there's always room for one more when it's done with the level of energy and cheer Gaelic Storm brings to every note they play. With Tree they toss in a few more original songs and add some exotic percussion and accordion to the stew. Still curious? You can't go wrong with their self-titled debut.. and if you want more, this Tree's worth a good listen."