Breton based Celtic harpist Alan Stivell describes "eunn Douar (one Earth)" as revealing "a world of paradoxes, where similarities are as powerful as contrasts," and this profoundly spiritual work contains plenty of both. A 25-year veteran virtuoso of the harp, Stivell turns his focus to songs of "world consciousness," his reedy vocals abetted by a diverse cross section of artists including Y... more...

Breton based Celtic harpist Alan Stivell describes "eunn Douar (one Earth)" as revealing "a world of paradoxes, where similarities are as powerful as contrasts," and this profoundly spiritual work contains plenty of both. A 25-year veteran virtuoso of the harp, Stivell turns his focus to songs of "world consciousness," his reedy vocals abetted by a diverse cross section of artists including Youssou N'Dour, Khaled, John Cale, and the Chieftains' Paddy Moloney. The songs--sung in Gaelic, Fr   less...

While other of her albums spanning the mid '80s to the middle of the following decade are marred by cheesy or tinny-sounding overproduction and a breakaway from the acoustic-based accompaniment that suits her most truthfully, By the Time It Gets Dark presents Mary Black, folk vocal stylist, at her best. Less dark than Sandy Denny, less twee than Nanci Griffith, yet coming from a similar tra... more...

While other of her albums spanning the mid '80s to the middle of the following decade are marred by cheesy or tinny-sounding overproduction and a breakaway from the acoustic-based accompaniment that suits her most truthfully, By the Time It Gets Dark presents Mary Black, folk vocal stylist, at her best. Less dark than Sandy Denny, less twee than Nanci Griffith, yet coming from a similar tradition and approach, Black's vocals are warm, earthy, and expressive. Her live version of "Moon Ri   less...

Mary Black's first solo album (simply titled Mary Black) began the long time collaboration Mary and producer/guitarist Declan Sinnott. The Mary Black album contains a traditional and contemporary material, which has become the custom for Mary Black albums. Rose of Allendale, became Mary's first hit single in Ireland, reaching #14 on the Irish charts. The album also began Mary's tendency to record ... more...

Mary Black's first solo album (simply titled Mary Black) began the long time collaboration Mary and producer/guitarist Declan Sinnott. The Mary Black album contains a traditional and contemporary material, which has become the custom for Mary Black albums. Rose of Allendale, became Mary's first hit single in Ireland, reaching #14 on the Irish charts. The album also began Mary's tendency to record the songs of a new generation of Irish songwriters with the inclusion of Mick Hanly's Crusader, whic   less...