Celtic Woman Soundtrack CD

Celtic Classics + Enya,Josh Groban

Various Artists/Celtic Woman: Orla ? (vocals, harp); Lisa, Méav, Chloé (vocals); Mairead (fiddle).
Additional personnel: Des Moore (guitar); Martin Johnston (cello); David Downes (whistle, harpsichord, keyboards); John O'Brien (Uilleann pipe); Eoghan O'Neill (bass guitar); Robbie Casserly (percussion).
Manhattan Records' release of Celtic Woman is a compilation/collaboration between five unknown vocalists, introduced only by their first names (Chloë, Lisa, Orla, Méav, and Máiréad), who take turns chirping Irish ballads as heard through a dramatic, lush new age filter. Via reverb-heavy and thick keyboard atmospherics, the singers cover contemporary ground, such as Enya's "Orinoco Flow," to traditional melodies like "Danny Boy" and "Ave Maria." While each vocalist brings a separate lovely timbre to the table, each song shares a similar theatrical arrangement and plodding tempo that smoothes over any subtleties that might distinguish track from track, therefore fitting well sonically side by side, but leaving the listener yearning for a bit more dynamic. Overall Celtic Woman is a decent set of well-performed vocal pop, but ultimately more a soothing background soundtrack than anything memorable. ~ Gregory McIntosh
CELTIC WOMAN is the brainchild of David Downes, a composer/conductor who was heavily involved with the American production of RIVERDANCE. Not surprisingly, all of the lights, drama, and musical bombast of that esteemed show are present on this production as well. Instead of showcasing legions of dancers, however, CELTIC WOMAN puts the emphasis on the rich heritage of traditional and contemporary Irish music, as performed by five talented female performers from varying musical backgrounds.
Though the melodies are often extremely simple and unadorned, the production is just as lush and majestic as anything on Yanni's LIVE AT THE ACROPOLIS, and should appeal to fans of that disc. The opening track features the extraordinary, bell-like vocal timbre of 15-year-old Chloe Agnew over an orchestral backing that includes tin whistle. "Isle of Inisfree" showcases Orla Fallon, whose dark voice and supple harp playing make for a haunting listening experience. On numerous tracks, several of the Irish sirens sing together; a particular standout is a soothingly sweet version of Enya's breakthrough hit "Orinoco Flow."