The Chieftans: Martin Fay, Sean Keane (fiddle); Derek Bell (harp, tiompan, harpsichord); Matt Molloy (flute); Paddy Moloney (uilleann pipes, tin whistle, arranger); Kevin Conneff (bodhran, vocals).
Includes liner notes by Paddy Moloney.
SANTIAGO won the 1997 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album.
The region of Galicia, a green and hilly area located in the northwest corner of Spain, forms the inspiration for this 1996 album. Ireland and Galicia have religion, music, and a certain Celtic ancestry in common; Spanish sailors were washed up and in some cases settled in Ireland after the destruction of the Spanish Armada in 1588.
The Chieftains, traditional music pilgrims of the world, here seize the opportunity to work with the young recorder, whistle, and gaita (Galician bagpipes) player Carlos Nunez on SANTIAGO. It's intriguing to hear the similarities between traditional Irish and Galician music as they intermingle here. Many other similar musical styles are sampled on SANTIAGO, too, including music from Portugal and even Mexico, with help from Los Lobos. Standout tracks include "Dun Paterfamilias/Ad Honorem" a medieval chant enhanced by the beautiful harp playing of Derek Bell, and the live, joyous romp of "Dublin in Vigo."
