Search - Susan Mckeown :: Bushes & Briars

Susan Mckeown
Bushes & Briars
Genres: Folk, International Music, Pop, Rock

Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
1. Bushes & Briars
2. In London So Fair
3. Driving The Calves
4. Little One
5. Bonny Boy
6. The Mountain Streams Where The Moorcocks Crow
7. Banks Of Claudy
8. Craigie Hill
9. A Mhaire Bhruinneall
10. Donal Og
11. After Aughrim

CD Details

All Artists: Susan Mckeown
Title: Bushes & Briars
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Alula
Original Release Date: 2/3/1998
Release Date: 2/3/1998
Genres: Folk, International Music, Pop, Rock
Styles: British & Celtic Folk, Celtic
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 616498100827, 6464981008273

Synopsis

Amazon.com

For her foray into traditional music, American-based Irish singer Susan McKeown hasn't chosen the safe path. By including instruments like tabla, French horn, and clarinet--none of which are associated with Celtic music--she's stretching the boundaries of the genre. But the fascinating, often daring arrangements serve merely to frame her voice, which is often shown starkly, even unaccompanied. With guests like Morocco's Hassan Hakmoun, former Planxty man Andy Irvine, and Solas's Seamus Egan, she has a first-class crew behind her, but she, and her haunting voice, remain the real stars of the show, offering a radiant path to the heart of the songs here. Her selection of material (both in English and Gaelic) veers far from the tried and true, but even on a song like "Bonny Boy," she marks it with her own identity. Bushes and Briars is a complete triumph, establishing McKeown as one of the top contemporary Celtic singers. --Chris Nickson

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Member CD Reviews

Myra S. (ignolopi) from SALT LAKE CTY, UT
Reviewed on 9/27/2010...

The songs Bushes & Briars and In London So Fair are some of my favorite Irish pieces, Susan McKeown's voice is incredibly strong and lovely. From this CD I also enjoyed Seoladh Na Ngamhna and her version of Banks of Claudy. I enjoy the strong mix of instruments in pieces such as In London So Fair, which is why I am not as partial to the tracks such as 'Bonny Boy' that are pure or mainly a cappella. Some of the tracks on this CD are a little dull. As far as the whole CD goes, I liked more songs off her CD Lowlands, but if you have not heard Susan McKeown before, this CD is a good place to start, especially for those 2 particular tracks.

CD Reviews

A wonderful discovery

Colleen Ryan | Albany, NY | 03/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not shopping for an Audi, but the music behind their "Father & Daughter" commercial caught my ear. I thought it was Maura O'Connell, maybe, but I found out (via e-mail) that the music was from 'Bushes & Briars,' and promptly bought the CD.I listened to it for the first time last night. It was nice to hear the entire length of "H-O Abha-Inn" (Little One) instead of just the snippet from the commercial.I really enjoyed the updated arrangements of traditional songs, especially "Mountain Streams Where the Moorcocks Crow".If you're a fan -- as I am -- of Loreena McKennitt, you'll love this CD."

Hearing is believing

Ricardo Escalante | Cotati, CA United States | 02/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After buying "Lowlands" I went online and looked up Susan's other albums, then bought B&B. The combination of her voice and the melodies just knock me out. Although I am less enamoured of her earlier work, I recommend these two and look forward to another in the future. Fortunately you can use your own ears and if thirty seconds per works for you, go for it."

Truly one of the finest folk/Celtic records avaliable today

Lesley M Jenike | 01/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record is breathtaking; Susan's unique ear for arrangement brings to life the traditional songs, forming them into stunning echoes of today's sound united ultimately to the centuries-old ideals that created them. It is complete. When listening you are both transported forward and backward in time by her effortless alto."

Beautiful and haunting traditional singing

Neal C. Reynolds | Indianapolis, Indiana | 06/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Susan McKeown is one of those recommended to Enya's fans and she also is compared to Loreena McKinnett, but don't be mislead by the comparisons. She is unique in her interpretation of traditional celtic melodies.The instrumental backing certainly isn't your traditional celtic sound, including guitar, tuba, tabla, french horn along with the more to be expected fiddle, whistles, and pipes. The important thing is that it works. The unusual instrumental blend highlights her haunting voice.The songs themselves are wistful, longing, but not tragic...ballads of love and loyalty. Listen especially to the title song "Bushes & Briars", "In London So Fair", "Bonny Boy", "Banks of Claudy", and "After Augrim", but if you enjoy traditional celtic, you will enjoy each and every one. This receives my highest recommendation."

Great voice and the courage to use it.

Neal C. Reynolds | 01/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mystical at times, down-to-Earth at times, and often both at once. Reminding one of Niamh Parsons and June Tabor at their bests, Susan McKeown's dark alto cuts straight to the soul with this music. Instrumental accompaniment is unfailingly interesting and tasteful and is provided by many of the best musicians in the business. Special kudos to Seamus Egan for his haunting low whistle playing. Much of this CD is acapella or near-acapella which may cause some people to hesitate in purchasing this CD; DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT let that stop you!"