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"The completion of any complex and difficult project is worthy of praise, but I had glimses of what was attempted here with THE POET'S DREAM. I would have to say that courage, persistence and most of all sensitivity to the material, the memory and indeed the tradition shines out in this production. I would also have to say that in everything that has been attempted they have been successful beyond any evaluation and even I would say, their own high expectations. Without equivocation or condition I would have to say that this is a fabulous piece of work and a realisation of the all its aspirations. The connection on THE POET'S DREAM is that these are all Wexford songs but with a very distinctive Monageer flavour and hugely influenced by the Cooper and O'Reilly dynasties. Eighty percent of songs are from these two families. They are all folk songs, some have accompaniment, some without, but all are reflective of the tradition of singing in Wexford and how it has evolved and indeed continues to evolve in the great sea of time, occurrence and travel. This is not just an album of folk songs, but a whole lot more. It provides a panoramic view of an area over 150 years, and not through historians or commentators but through the voice of the population. I know Paul and Helen well as both artists of the highest calibre and people. There is nobody better qualified as singers to perform these songs, and their connection to these songs goes a lot deeper as blood, family and songs are intertwined here. Paul’s connection to the album is through his late father, a giant of traditional song, and grandfather and relations. And we are reminded of this only recently with the death of the late Liam Cooper, which re-inforces the necessity for this type of project. Helen too comes from a family steeped in music and folklore. Her father Art Sinnott was one of the most outstanding men of 20th Century and gave us our anthem. And what of the songs? There are slow songs, fast songs, local and national songs, political, satirical, songs of work, fleadhanna, '98, The Strawberry Fair, hospitality and songs about our love of place. D’Arcy’s House is a song full of fun and humour and also a song with a smile. But there is an extra delight as the album ends with a breathtakingly beautiful song composed by Paul - The Wild Geese of Killyleagh - demonstrating that not only is the craft moving on to new generations but, if anything, is even improving. To finish, THE POET'S DREAM is more than just a fabric, it is a magic carpet that can whisk us to our past, present and future. It is A BRILLIANT PRODUCTION." - Niall Wall, All-Ireland Traditonal Singing Champion
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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