| | Planxty CD Planxty Discography of CDs
 (3 Customer Reviews)
Planxty are known both for their ability to perform great versions of traditional Irish tunes, and for their tremendous skill as musicians. Blending beautiful instrumental sections (thanks mostly to the brilliant Uilleann piper, Liam O'Flynn) with passionate singing, this sadly now-defunct band appeals to both purists and lay listeners.
This eponymously-titled album opens with "Raggle Taggle Gypsy/Tabhair Dom Do Lamh," beginning with a vocal followed by an extended Uilleann pipe solo. "Junior Crehan's Favourite/Corney is Coming" is a virtuoso reel that features tin whistle, bodhran, and Uilleann pipes. Finally, "Si Bheag, Si Mhor/Follow Me Up to Carlow" is another fine pipe feature complemented by wonderful acoustic guitar fingerpicking. A compelling album that demonstrates the superb instrumental and vocal abilities of the band's members, PLANXTY is a recording that will stand the test of time. Planxty Songs | 1. | Raggle Taggle Gypsy / Tabhair Dom Do Lamh |
| 2. | Arthur McBride |
| 3. | Planxty Irwin |
| 4. | Sweet Thames Flow Softly |
| 5. | Junior Crehan's Favourite / Corney Is Coming |
| 6. | West Coast of Claire, The |
| 7. | Jolly Beggar ,The / Reel |
| 8. | Only Our Rivers |
| 9. | Si Dheag, Si Mhor Follow Me up to Carlow |
| 10. | Merrily Kissed the Quaker |
| 11. | Blacksmith, The |
| 12. | (Untitled) - (hidden track) |
|
Planxty Music Review Average Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)   Planxty - Top-notch Musicians
Planxty's work comprises one of the earlier attempts to blend traditional Irish music with more modern instrumentation and influences.
I personally believe that the best approach to the traditional music (of any genre, but particularly Celtic) is to play and sing it the way the tradition-bearers do.
Thus, I am not happy about the inclusion of
some pieces and settings that are not from the tradition, although I understand the muscian's right to artistic freedom.
However, Planxty's sound remained truer to the tradition in many respects than any group since, and is far preferable (to me, at any rate) than other modern groups and sounds.
They didn't inject too much rock, jazz, or other inappropriate forms (and this is a matter that would require a book to discuss, so those who disagree are free to do so.)
Where they did inject other genre, it was often the Balkan influence, picked up by Andy Irvine while traveling there. While not strictly "Irish traditional", at least that form has more relevance to Celtic music than other genre commonly tossed in hodge-podge. (As does, interestingly, some African forms, such as the griot bards of the Mandingo, and some Indian and Native American music.)
In addition, Irvine and Liam O Floinn and the lads are highly talented musicicans, whose technical expertise is truly amazing. I rate
O Floinn to be one of the finest pipers I have ever heard. (I go back over 40 years in Irish and Scottish traditional music, and have heard, learned from, and played with some of the best.)
Last, they had a great "sound", and I was sorry to see Planxty break up.
This, as with any Planxty recording, is a great chance to hear some excellent music, played by top-notch musicians. I recommend to it to all who are interested in this genre, or who merely appreciate good music.
Submitted by a reviewer (OR, USA) 
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Planxty rocks!
This a very early CD from this Celtic superband, full of what has made them famous all these years. If you like Celtic folk, you love Planxty!
Submitted by Colin (Vancouver, Canada)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  Trad Fusion
There is an amazing amalgamation of energy, sounds and styles on this album. I cannot but imagine the impact had on the world of traditional music but it must have been something akin to what the Mahavishnu Orchestra had on jazz or what Zeppelin had on the Rock movement in the late 60s, the album is just bursting with energy and virtuoso musicianship the likes of which has been rarely heard before in this genre of trad music, in fact it has a rock sensibility about it and a raw urgency that even after 30 years has not diminished a bit, but rather makes many acts of the same era see tired and rather placid. The coming together of Irvine/Moore/Lunny/O'Flynn as a unit after work on Christy Moore's Prosperous album, Planxty is refreshing and vibrant to fit all music tastes as the quality of the music and playing is peerless and timeless, something we will never see the like of again in traditional circles at least.
Submitted by philipbourke (Cork, Ireland)
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Purchase Planxty CD To buy, Click on price to add to cart | Planxty Well Below The Valley CD (1973)
Planxty
 $14.65 
Some traditional Irish groups, such as the Chieftains, focus on instrumental music, while others such as the Clancy Brothers focus almost exclusively on singing. Planxty strove for a balance between voice and instrument. Thanks mostly to the brilliant Uilleann piper Liam O'Flynn, in their '70s heyday the band appealed to both purists and casual listeners.
THE WELL BELOW THE VALLEY displays the subtleties of the group's music, as well as their wonderful ability to wail on traditional reels, jigs, hornpipes, and slip-jigs. The former is epitomized by their rendition of "Pat Reilly," and the latter is best evidenced by their versions of the reels "The Dogs Among the Bushes" and "Jenny's Wedding," which are played as a medley. A strongly traditional album, THE WELL BELOW THE VALLEY is probably Planxty's most compelling release.
| | Planxty Cold Blow And The Rainy Night CD (1974)
Planxty
$14.45
Planxty serves up a delectable dish of traditional folk songs here. "Johnny Cope" combines the standard tune with a hornpipe of the same name. Three polkas are featured next: "Dennis Murphy's Polka," "ú42 Cheque," and "John Ryan's Polka," played as a medley.
The album continues with a handful of reels, a Bulgarian dance, and a poignant version of "The Little Drummer" (not to be confused with "The Little Drummer Boy"). A subtle, solemn version of "The Lakes of Ponchartrain," a tune that dates back to the war of 1812, follows. A set of double jigs continues the musical journey, and the album closes with an emigration song, "The Green Fields of Canada."
| | Planxty Collection CD (1976)
Planxty
$15.39  
Although they were one of the finest Celtic folk bands of the 1970s, Planxty made only three albums, and this collection of traditional Irish folk tunes features highlights from these releases. Brilliant renditions of "The Jolly Beggar Reel," and "Pat Reilly" are featured here, as well as a riveting medley consisting of "The Hare in the Corn," "The Frost Is All Over" and "The Gander in the Pratie Hole."
The music is full of subtleties, with a sharp undercurrent of energy and a dash of Irish patriotism. Planxty's legacy may be their unique ability to create a bridge between the informal gatherings common in Irish folk circles and the boozy mass-appeal chorus style song that had previously been the public face of Irish folk music. Integrating Uilleann pipes played by the highly-rated County Kildare piper, Liam O'Flynn, Planxty raised the bar for complexity in Irish folk music. Planxty's music will satisfy both the purist listener and the layman.
| | Planxty Words And Music CD (1983)
Planxty
$14.65
Some traditional Irish groups focus on instrumental pieces, others almost exclusively on vocal works. The very title of this album indicates the balance of Planxty's musical conception. Blending together beautiful instrumental sections (thanks mostly to the brilliant Uilleann piper Liam O'Flynn), with passionate singing, they will appeal to both purists and lay listeners.
On WORDS AND MUSIC, group's musical subtlety is displayed, as well as its surprisingly ability to wail on a traditional reel or jig. The former is epitomized by Planxty's rendition of Bob Dylan's "I Pity the Poor Immigrant," the latter best evidenced by their version of the jig "The Queen of the Rushes." Some of the selections on this album contain elements of both pop and folk, best heard on "Thousands Are Sailing," which combines modern instruments such as analog synthesizers and electric bass, with pipes and a winsome Irish vocal melody. All of this is done with great integrity.
| | Planxty After The Break CD (1979) Import
Planxty
$18.05
With brilliant tunes and songs, it features Matt Molloy. ~ Steve Winick
Recorded at Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, Ireland.
Planxty: Christy Moore (vocals, guitar, bodhran); Andy Irvine (vocals, mandolin, bouzouki); Donal Lunny (guitar, blarge); Matt Molly (flute, whistle); Liam O'Flynn (whistle, Uilleann pipes).
| | Skylark Wildflower CD (1996)
Planxty
$10.39
Liner Note Author: Mark Marymont.
Skylark: David Foster, B.J. Cook, Donny Gerard.
| | Cathie Ryan Music Of What Happens CD (1998)
Planxty
$14.49
Cathie Ryan's approach to traditional Irish song has always been to walk a fine line between the traditional and the modern, and this effort is no exception. Just over half of the songs on The Music of What Happens are contemporary compositions, some by Ryan herself and a couple of others by guitarist Gerry O'Beirne, while the others are freely adapted traditional songs. While Ryan's vocal approach is quite traditional, her arrangements make subtle use of exotic percussion, electric bass, and occasionally a drum set. The result sounds, in some cases, like a cross between Mary Black and Enya (note the multi-tracked backing vocals on "I'm Going Back"), but on the barely accompanied "Erin's Lovely Home" there is nothing to distract from either the crystalline loveliness of her voice or the mournful beauty of the song. Seamus Egan's production is, as always, perfectly suited to the artist's approach. ~ Rick Anderson
Traditional & Original
Recorded at Sigma Sound Services, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in February and May, 1998. Includes liner notes by Cathie Ryan.
Adapter: Cathie Ryan.
Personnel: Cathie Ryan (vocals, bodhran); Seamus Egan (whistling, mandolin, bodhran); Gerry O'Beirne (guitar, 12-string guitar, Spanish guitar, ukulele); Greg Anderson (electric guitar, bouzouki, cittern); Michael Aharon (12-string guitar, bouzouki, accordion, piano, keyboards, percussion); John Anthony (keyboards, percussion); Jamshied Sharifi (keyboards, drum programming); Chico Huff (fretless bass); Steve Holloway (drums, percussion).
Audio Mixer: John Anthony.
Recording information: Sigma Sound Services, Philadelphia, PA (02/1998/05/1998).
Photographer: Larry Kosson.
Arrangers: Gerry O'Beirne; Greg Anderson; Jamshied Sharifi; John Anthony; Michael Aharon; Seamus Egan; Steve Holloway; Cathie Ryan.
Personnel: Cathie Ryan (vocals, bodhran); Gerry O'Beirne (6-string, 12-string & Spanish guitars, ukelele); Michael Aharon (12-string guitar, bouzouki, accordion, piano, keyboards); Greg Anderson (electric guitar, bouzouki, cittern); Seamus Egan (mandolin, whistle, quatro, bodhran); Win Horan (fiddle); John Anthony (keyboards, percussion); Jamshied Sharifi (keyboards, drum programming); Chico Huff (fretless bass); Steve Holloway (percussion).
| | Africa Fete '99 CD (1999)
Planxty
$6.19
Africa Fete 99 features rare and unreleased tracks from the stars of that year's concert, including Taj Mahal, Baba Maal, Toumani Diabate and Ballake Sissoko. ~ Heather Phares
Baaba Maal,Taj Mahal,Toumani Diabate,Oliver Mtukudzi & More
Includes liner notes by Gerry Lyseight.
Compilation producers: Joe Boyd, Jumbo Vanrenen.
| | Impressions Ultimate Collection CD (2001)
Planxty
$11.99
Recorded between 1958 and 1975. Includes liner notes by A. Scott Galloway.
This is an Ultimate Collection for the Impressions, not Curtis Mayfield, which are two separate things, no matter how closely intertwined their histories are. This begins with "For Your Precious Love," when Jerry Butler was the lead singer, and ends with two tracks that he neither wrote nor sang, giving a good basic history of the band's career from 1958 to 1975. Not every great Impressions song is here, but nearly ever song here is great (the quality does dip a bit toward the end); this certainly delivers a good summary of -- and even introduction to -- the group, which was one of the greatest of its time, regardless of genre. That said, it won't give you everything you need -- but it certainly will get your love started. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Compilation producer: Andy McKaie.
Liner Note Author: A. Scott Galloway.
Recording information: 1958-1975.
Photographer: Ray Flerlage.
Unknown Contributor Role: Dana Smart.
Arrangers: Donny Hathaway; Rich Tufo; Roy Glover, Jr.; Johnny Pate.
The Impressions includes: Curtis Mayfield, Jerry Butler, Fred Cash, Sam Gooden, Reggie Torian, Ralph Johnson.
Producers include: Roy Glover, Jr., Johnny Pate, Curtis Mayfield, Ed Townsend.
1958-1975.
| | Andy White Rare CD (2001) (Import) Netherlands
Planxty
$23.65
This is an anthology of raritites by folkish Irish singer-songwriter Andy White.
Rare is Andy White's compilation album, bringing together singles, B sides, live tracks and studio out-takes, from the release of his first single 'Religious Persuasion' on Stiff Records and on through 2004. rare features guest appearances from Sinead O'Connor, Kieran Kane, Tim Finn, Liam O Maonlai, Kev Carmody and Angela McClusky. Mascot.
| | 20 Best Of Scotland CD (1995) Import
Planxty
$9.99
Track Listing of songs: The Barnyards Of Delgaty; Jock Stewart; Mount And Go; Dainty Davy; Ye Jacobites By Name; The Skye Boat Song; The Bonnie Ship The Diamond; Lizzie Lindsay; Wild Mountain Thyme; Rattlin' Roarin' Willie; The Bonnie Lass O Fyvie; Ye Banks And Braes; McPherson's Lament; Farewell To Tarwathie; I'm A Rover, Seldom Sober; Come By The Hills; Nancy Whisky; The Blantyre Explosion; Tramps And Hawkers; Mairi's Wedding;
| | Hyades And The Worst Is Yet To Come CD (2007)
Planxty
$13.25
Recording information: Indyrecords Studio (07/2006).
Hyades: Lorenzo "Txt" Testa, Marco Negonda (vocals, guitars, background vocals); Marco Colombo (vocals); Rob Orlando (bass guitar, background vocals); Rodolfo "Rawdeath" Ridoli (drums).
Personnel: Marco Colombo (vocals); Robert Philip Orlando (background vocals).
Additional personnel: Fab Formenti (vocals); Mik, Michele Spallieri, Max Battioli, Silvano Ancelotti, Lorenzo Bocca (background vocals).
| | Small Faces Ogden's Nut Gone Flake CD (1968)
Planxty
$11.09
Having begun their career as the archetypal Mod band, the Small Faces latterly embraced traces of flower-power's whimsy. Astute enough not to sacrifice their identity, the quartet retained a distinctive perspective, as evinced by a string of superb pop singles, including "Here Comes The Nice" and "Itchycoo Park." A sense of pop melody and adventurism culminated on this album which encompassed tongue-in-cheek fun ("Lazy Sunday") and passionate love songs ("Afterglow"). Steve Marriott's voice remains completely self-assured and the group's characteristic organ-based swell is often enhanced by P.P. Arnold's emotional backing vocals. Eccentric comedian Stanley Unwin narrates the concept suite "Happiness Stan," but the music is strong enough to withstand the novelty tag. OGDENS' NUT GONE FLAKE was the Small Faces' swan-song, at least until an ill-starred reunion, but it proved a fitting end to a golden era.
Having begun their career as the archetypal Mod band, the Small Faces latterly embraced traces of flower-power's whimsy. Astute enough not to sacrifice their identity, the quartet retained a distinctive perspective, as evinced by a string of superb pop singles, including "Here Comes The Nice" and "Itchycoo Park." A sense of pop melody and adventurism culminated on this album which encompassed tongue-in-cheek fun ("Lazy Sunday") and passionate love songs ("Afterglow"). Steve Marriott's voice remains completely self-assured and the group's characteristic organ-based swell is often enhanced by P.P. Arnold's emotional backing vocals. Eccentric comedian Stanley Unwin narrates the concept suite "Happiness Stan," but the
2007 digitally remastered and expanded two CD digipak edition of the Mod/Rock legends' classic 1968 album features 14 bonus tracks pulled from the band's Immediate records catalogue 1967-69 as well as the hit singles 'Itchycoo Park', ,'Here Come The Nice' and 'Universal Soldier'. Charly 2007
This release features a special gatefold die-cut LP-style CD sleeve.
Arranger: The Small Faces.
The Small Faces: Steve Marriott (vocals); Ronnie Lane (guitar); Ian McLagen (bass); Kenney Jones (drums).
| | Bryan Batson Through It All CD (2009)
Planxty
$10.15
I am a Mississippi musician that developed a style over the years playing gigs as a solo performer. Over 40 years ago, Ed Tree, who produced this CD, taught me my first song on a guitar. We formed a band and from there the seeds were planted. We took very different paths along the way, but I am grateful his was a musical one. With Ed’s friendship and expertise, this CD was made consisting of seven original songs written by me. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with exceptional musicians such as, Ed Tree, JayDee Maness, Skip Edwards, Gary Ferguson, and Randy Crenshaw. Enjoy!
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