The Waves Down in the Ocean - Karan Casey, Ostrow, Leib
Port Na Bpucal - Karan Casey, Traditional
The Song of the Seal - Karan Casey, Traditional
Dialogue - Karan Casey,
Taim Cortha Bheith Im' Aonar Im' Lui - Karan Casey, Traditional
Dialogue - Karan Casey,
Seoithin - Karan Casey, Traditional
Maidin Aiseach - Karan Casey, Traditional
Dialogue - Karan Casey,
The Loony Moon - Karan Casey, Casey, Karan
We're Going Sailing (Reprise) - Karan Casey, Spillane, John
Using such traditional Irish instruments as uilleann pipes, the low whistle, the concertina, and the violin, as well as some of the purest, sweetest voices to be heard on a children's recording in recent memory, Seal Maide... more »n: A Celtic Musical relates a mystical tale. Despite her mother's warnings, a playful seal pup frolics too close to the shore, magically molts her sealskin, and turns into a human. The Seal Maiden's humanness leaves her heartsick and discontented; she misses her mother and can't shrug off an atavistic affinity for biting off eels' heads and devouring them whole, as well as other strictly-for-the-seals behavior. Eventually, though, she marries and has a son. When he discovers his own hidden sealskin, he becomes her gateway back to the sea and the slippery, song-filled life she left behind. If this Emerald Isle legend sounds familiar, that's probably because it was recently given silver-screen treatment in John Sayles's The Secret of Roan Inish. Narrator and lead singer Karan Casey (of the traditional Irish group Solas) is enchanting, especially on "The Song of the Seal" and "Seoithin." Musicians Martin Hayes (violin) and Dennis Cahill (guitar) display near-magical heart-melting powers on "Port Na bPucal," which captures the Celtic spirit beautifully. And then there's this album's intended audience--kids--to consider. Children ages 6 and up will be left spellbound by the Seal Maiden's fantastic saga, and those under 6 will be lulled into sweet dreams by its gentle-voiced, exceptionally talented singers, whose far-off land of salty waves and endless possibilities they evoke so gracefully. --Tammy La Gorce« less
Using such traditional Irish instruments as uilleann pipes, the low whistle, the concertina, and the violin, as well as some of the purest, sweetest voices to be heard on a children's recording in recent memory, Seal Maiden: A Celtic Musical relates a mystical tale. Despite her mother's warnings, a playful seal pup frolics too close to the shore, magically molts her sealskin, and turns into a human. The Seal Maiden's humanness leaves her heartsick and discontented; she misses her mother and can't shrug off an atavistic affinity for biting off eels' heads and devouring them whole, as well as other strictly-for-the-seals behavior. Eventually, though, she marries and has a son. When he discovers his own hidden sealskin, he becomes her gateway back to the sea and the slippery, song-filled life she left behind. If this Emerald Isle legend sounds familiar, that's probably because it was recently given silver-screen treatment in John Sayles's The Secret of Roan Inish. Narrator and lead singer Karan Casey (of the traditional Irish group Solas) is enchanting, especially on "The Song of the Seal" and "Seoithin." Musicians Martin Hayes (violin) and Dennis Cahill (guitar) display near-magical heart-melting powers on "Port Na bPucal," which captures the Celtic spirit beautifully. And then there's this album's intended audience--kids--to consider. Children ages 6 and up will be left spellbound by the Seal Maiden's fantastic saga, and those under 6 will be lulled into sweet dreams by its gentle-voiced, exceptionally talented singers, whose far-off land of salty waves and endless possibilities they evoke so gracefully. --Tammy La Gorce
"I purchased this CD when looking for a story on tape to listen to in the car on a long trip with my two children. They listened intently and keep asking to listen to it over and over again. The music, and Karen Casey's voice, are very soothing. The story of the Seal Maiden is entertaining and engaging. There is just the right mix of narration and music to hold my children's attention, and at the same time, it is enjoyable for the adults to listen to as well. My children have memorized all the songs and keep singing them long after the CD is over."
Incredibly beautiful.
James Heckman | Halifax, PA United States | 07/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"SealMaiden is supposed to be for children, but for adult fans of female Celtic music, it is an experience of extraordinary beauty. This is my favorite genre of music, and I have a strong collection of some of the best Celtic and other folk performers in the world. In other words, I have a lot to compare it to. Having said this, I don't know if I've ever been as hypnotized by the sheer melodic beauty of the music as in this album. And the alternating narrative, for those capable of enchantment, weaves a spellbinding tale of the silkie legend. With an extremely competitive music collection, I seldom listen to a CD all the way through, but I have done so many times with this CD. I could go into details, such as the beauty of Karan Casey's voice, the quality of the narrative text by Marina Carr, the superb instrumentation, but enough said. This album is an undiscovered jewel, a mixture of mesmerizing musical beauty and a magical world for the imagination."
Great CD
James Heckman | 03/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I gave this CD to my one-year old nephew and he loves it!!! The stories are beautiful and thoughtful. I recently saw Karan Casey in concert and she was amazing. If you like this CD, check out her adult music."
Seal Maiden
louise innes | AZ USA | 06/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a wonderful example of a professional and high quality musical product for children. The authenticity of the narration has not been compromised and the musicians are the best in their field. When there is so much manufactured aural pulp out there aimed at our children it is a pleasure to find a CD that both engages a childs imagination and teaches them about musicianship at the same time. I have 1 and 4 year old girls and a 3 year old boy who all adore the music and connect with the story."
Positive feedback
louise innes | 07/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was an awsome CD- we drove from Anchorage to Fairbanks with two small, bickering-inclined children strapped in car seats, and thanks to this music and story all was blessedly quiet. My youngest son sings one of the lullabies to himself at bedtime when sleepy. Very adult and kid enjoyable together!"