Search - Rankins :: Collection

Canada's Best Kept Secret!

Christopher Forbes | Brooklyn,, NY | 09/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A friend of mine at work knew of my love for good folk music and gave me a copy of this CD for my birthday. All I can say is that I'm glad she did! This is an absolutely lovely compilation of some of the best modern eclectic folk that I've ever heard. Though my tastes in folk music definately run toward the ethnomusicological/authentic, I have to make exceptions for groups as lovely as this.The Rankin Family hails from Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. On of the most far-flung of Gaelic speaking areas, Cape Breton has kept pure the traditions of their Scots ancestors, with a fair mix of North American folk and sea chantey traditions. The Rankin Family is steeped in these traditions, singing ancient songs in Gaelic, with a beautiful choral blend. The men in the group are also excellent instrumentalists...the late John Rankin's fiddle playing is wonderful in an authentic Gaelic style. But the Rankins are not just traditionalists. They also sing contemporary "celtic revival" songs and some things that have an almost country flair (not a fan of country myself, but this stuff is really good.) The songs reflect their love of Cape Breton and of the sea. I found myself haunted by so many of the tunes on this album. And the singing is marvelous. The family is blessed with wonderful voices, particularly the women. The harmony is dense and absolutely pure. It reminds me of the best of family groups in the Appalachians and in Ireland. Highlights of the album include the lovely Gillis Mountain and Rise Again, which I can't stop listening to. This is pure music, filled with love of people and land. There is a sweetness in the music that touches me deeply. If you like Clannad, Mary Black, or the McGarrigle Sisters, you will love this music. I can't recommend this album highly enough!"

Just a few words....

Cape Breton Island Bear | Cape Breton Island | 09/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have lived on Cape Breton Island for most of my 27 years. I have heard of many artists that have come from this beautiul Island and I am proud to be part of the tradition that exists here. I have listened to some of the music as well, and it brings me back home by the ocean everytime. I had no idea what heritage existed here, and I encourage those of you who have heard of Cape Breton Island to take in some of the music that is produced from artists who are take pride in every note that they produce. These artists deserve more appreciation and they will get more from me. The Rankin's (just to name a few artists from here) are awesome and I will make sure that they are within listening distance wherever I go."

Wonderful Celtic music

Helen Carlson | seabrook, NH | 03/29/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Rankins made the run for a wordwide career over 10 years ago when they moved from Cape Breton, Canada, to Nashville to record. Although they did appear on CMT, and their talent was applauded and appreciated, they never made it to true stardom. They are stars, however, in the wonderful world of celtic music, and are ever appreciated by their fans,and friends and family, especially in their home of Cape Breton, Canada. A wise choce of music for the fan who loves truly classic non-commercialized celtic music!"