Clannad 2 CD

Although best known in the US for their later music, which combined Celtic roots with new age and pop influences, the Irish sibling group Clannad started as a traditional Irish folk group. Indeed, all but three tracks on the group's second album, from 1974, are in Gaelic. The acoustic instrumentation, heavy on the harp and pennywhistle, is lovely but unobtrusive, so that all the focus is on lead singer Maire Brennan's astounding voice.

Every bit as elastic as that of her youngest sister Enya, who would go on to worldwide stardom after a brief early '80s stint in the family business, but much more assertive and less breathy, Maire's voice is one of the most stunning instruments in Celtic music, and it's heard to its best advantage on this album. Later records would sometime overpower the vocals with atmosphere, but CLANNAD TWO, while delicate and lovely, is never merely pretty.

Digitally remastered by Bill Giolando.

Recorded at Eamonn Andrews Studio, Ireland.

Personnel: Pat Duggan (vocals, guitar, mandolin); Paul Brennan (vocals, guitar, flute, percussion); Ciaran Brennan (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Mícheál O Domhnaill, Noel Duggan (vocals, guitar); Máire Brennan (vocals, harp); Padraig O'Donnell (vocals); Dónal Lunny (guitar, synthesizer, percussion); Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill (keyboards); Robbie Brennan (drums).

Recording information: Eamonn Andrews Studios.

Clannad includes: Maire Ni Bhraonian (vocals, harp).