CD Reviews

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh - Daybreak: Fáinne an lae

COMPASS

The lovely Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, lead singer with the renowned Danú, branches out on her own with Daybreak, an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary songs that showcase her talents as a singer, guitarist and flute player. Indeed her voice, earthy and pure, shines through on the Irish lullaby “Seothin Seothó,” a song about a mother telling her child she will protect her from fairies trying to steal her away during the night.

Nic Amhlaoibh also interprets several contemporary songs, including two from Danú guitarist Gerry O’Beirne. As a Crowded House fan, I was wary about her covering “Persuasion,” but her beautiful version soon allayed all my fears. Let’s hope Daybreak is just the beginning of much more to come from this talented lady.

Katie Melua

Piece by Piece

Dramatico

Katie Melua hopes that her second offering can follow up on the huge European success of her breakout first album Call Off the Search. Fresh off a U.S. summer tour with Il Divo, Melua is trusting Piece by Piece can send her stateside career into orbit. Born in Georgia in the former Soviet Union, Melua moved to Belfast when she was eight and has plenty of life experience to draw from. “Blue Shoes” and “Piece by Piece” are typical of her radio-friendly, slightly mournful easy-listening style. A smoky slow version of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” also features on this slick pop album whose original tracks were co-written by Melua and composer/producer Mike Batt. Piece by Piece is definitely worth checking out.

Susan McKeown

Blackthorn: Irish Love Songs

World Village

Susan McKeown’s fourth traditional album, Blackthorn, pays homage to Irish love songs. The album’s 12 tracks explore the joy and despair of being in love. McKeown also sought to bring out the sensuality in the songs. “I wanted to bring that out in the delivery and the arrangements, to let these songs breathe in a completely different way.” You can feel that longing in “Oiche fá Fhéile Bríde” (On Brigid’s Eve), “Caleno Custure Me” (I Am a Girl from Suir Side) and “Maidin Fhomhair”

(One Morning in Autumn/Princess Royal). Musician Phil Cunningham’s instrumentals add significantly to the album, which also features musicians Edmar Castaneda on harp and Igor Oxtoa and Harkaitz on percussion. Never afraid to experiment, McKeown’s Blackthorn is one that pays off.