Search - Margie Butler :: Celtic Lullaby

Oh Hush Thee, My Little Brown Bird

Shanshad | Discworld | 02/23/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The liner notes to this CD open with an Old Irish legend of a magical harp Uaithne who gave birth to three children. Each symbolized a different type of music on the harp. The first was Goltrai, born with a song of weeping. The second Geantrai, born with a tune of joy. The third was Suantrai, whose song was the lullaby. This CD is devoted to this last type of music-a collection of traditional Celtic lullabies to soothe both child and adult to sleep.



Margie Butler has a light touch on the harp, and a suitably sweet and light vocal style to match. I won't claim Margie's voice is the most compelling I've ever heard-but it is ideal for this kind of music. Those who are used to more professional, polished voices may find it a bit thin. The accompaniment remains well balanced against the vocals, each supporting the other. This is true lullaby music-there are no large band productions or massive soundscapes to confront. It is private music, played in a small room for a few people at most. Meant to soothe and send to sleep. The overall arrangement and performance is simple and Spartan. The melodies are played primarily on the harp, as in keeping with the theme of this collection. The harps used are the caswell "Journey" and the Rydecki "Luthian", both played by Margie herself. The other additions are mostly traditional instruments, penny whistle, guitar, accordion, violin, cymbalom and triangle. Listeners who like the ambient style Celtic music with electronically created sounds may be disappointed-but it will be listening pleasure for those who seek pure acoustic accompaniment.



The songs included on this CD are all traditional tunes arranged by Margie Butler, with the exception of "Deep in My Heart," which was written by Paul Espinoza. Instrumental selections are interspersed between the vocals. Particularly enjoyable is the brief but lovely "Gaelic Lullaby". Listeners familiar with Irish music may recognize some of their favorites. The vocal compositions are likewise delightful. Old-style phrasing and pronunciation in songs such as "Baloo Baleerie" really evoke the Celtic style. For example, the line"Gang awa' peerie faeries." More esoteric words are noted in the liner notes so that the reader can understand the reference. The song selections themselves are simple, often with crooning refrains. These are perfect for rocking a baby to sleep, or playing in the background to banish insomnia. My personal favorites are "Dereen Day" and "The Eagle's Whistle".



Lullaby collectors might also check out SLEEP MY CHILD a CD of Jewish Lullaby Songs and PLANET SLEEPS a compilation of lullabies from around the world. Those who like traditional Celtic music may want to find SILVER APPLES OF THE MOON by Ceoltori.



Happy Listening! ^_^ Shanshad

"

Sleep like a baby

Shanshad | 03/19/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has a great selection of Celtic songs, both with lyrics and instrumental. The selections are soft, calming and have the desired effect for babies and children: sleep. You need not be Irish to enjoy this CD."

Soothing songs of Ireland for children or adults

Shanshad | Discworld | 03/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This a a beautiful, fairly unadorned album of Irish songs that are showcased best by the simplicity. This is not a CD of ambiant music, or New Age style riffs. Most of the songs are accompanied by the harp and Margie Butler's gentle voice. These songs bring to life a picture of Ireland--the rural countryside, the farmlands and the changing seasons. Many of the songs contain elements of sweet sadness and melancholy. "October Wind" is familiar and wonderful. "The Eagle's Whistle" has to be my favorite on the album and always makes me homesick. If you can find this album, enjoy with a cup of tea in your hands or a child in your arms, or however you like to relax."