Pre-Owned The Celts Rise Again [Green Linnet] (CD 0048248010429) by Various Artists

0048248010429. Pre-Owned: Good condition. CD. You could hardly ask for a better introduction to the state of the art in Celtic folk music than this excellent compilation. Culling gems from the formidable Green Linnet catalog, it offers songs and tunes both modern and traditional from Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany by artists as eminent as Andy M. Stewart, Matt Molloy, Kornog, the Tannahill Weavers, and Capercaillie. The selections are so well-chosen that highlights are difficult to identify, but the thrilling set of the "Chorus Reel" and " Ashmolean House" that opens the program (on which piper Jerry O'Sullivan is paired up with banjoist Seamus Egan) is one clear high point, as is the even more exciting long reel set by fiddler John Cunningham and accordionist Phil Cunningham that closes it. In between are a sweet and aching rendition of "Siuil a Run" by Skylark; a fun arrangement of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra's "Music for a Found Harmonium" by Patrick Street; and the charming "Take Her in Your Arms," sung by Andy M. Stewart, among other gems. No lover of Celtic music will be satisfied with this album alone, of course, but it would make a great gift for anyone who needs a concise introduction to the variety of traditions that make up this rich musical heritage. ~ Rick Anderson, Rovi