[.ca] Celtic Fire Jigs Reels And Wa

From Amazon.com:
Not only is John Whelan one of Ireland's finest button accordion players, but the original compositions on Celtic Fire show that he is becoming one of its most accomplished composers in the traditional style as well. If you didn't know he wrote selections like "Jigs #1 & #2" and "Reels #1 & #2" (he does need to work on his titles), you would swear they've been played in pub sessions and around kitchen tables for generations. Most of the selections here are played at very lively tempos, but even at the quickest pace Whelan and his talented crew of backing musicians never falter. The one slow tune, the haunting waltz "Father," stands out in sharp relief against the frantic pace of the rest of the dance pieces. Celtic Fire is a fine collection of tunes played with a maximum of passion and a minimum of pretension. --Michael Simmons

Beautiful and fun celtic tunes:
There are no human voices on this album, but you won't even notice listening to this lively and entertaining CD. Whelen has created a snapshot of traditional Irish life in his danceable jigs, full of life and joy. The one slow track, "Father" is dedicated to the artist's good friend, Father Frank Hoffman, and is eerie and lovely, creating a sense of mystery. One wonders if this is an exploration of personal faith or a tribute to an individual - or perhaps both? The talent of all the musicians playing in each song is quite evident. This album deserves a better name, as it sounds like it would be a New Agey album, and it's really not - this is a mix of new and traditional Irish music. Highly recommended.

7 time All Ireland Champion on Button Accordian!:
This one of three audio CD's from John Whelan that can easily be played from start to finish without skipping less than good tracks. John takes on this project and album with students with excellent results. "Come to Dance" and "Celtic Tradition" are the other two albums. Please refer to my reviews. John is basically a non stop player at the top of his form with hundreds of tunes memorized. A live performance is a real treat, as he usually comes out into the audience to play. If you are building a traditional Irish Music collection, one if not all three of these CD's are a must have. I am happy to hear Bodhran (Irish Drum) on this CD. I have also been happy to play to these CD's and add Bodhran and bones. If John wants to keep cranking out these CD's, I'll be happy to keep buying them. At the top of my wish list is John teaming up with Johnny McDonagh or Tommy Hayes on Bodhran for an album, as I believe the percussion adds a lot to the music.

• Bucks Of Arranmore/Eileen Curran's/The Green Mountain
• Sporting Paddy/John Dwyer's/Galtee Rangers
• Enniscrothy/Daddy's Home
• Up Against The Bachelon/Lady Ann Montgomery/Glen Allen
• Have a Drink on Me/Widow Brady
• Father
• Christmas Eve/Faral O'Gara/Come West Along The Road
• McDermott's/Lad O'Bierne
• Paddy Fahey's/Gan Ainm
• East Of The Hebrides/The Trial Of Jim Kelly
• Fletch Taylor/The Gifted Father
• The Girl That Broke My Heart/Paddy Ryan's Dream/Music in the Glen
• Dot's Polka/Bernard Murphy's Polka