The Chieftains: The Wide World Over

The seminal Irish band - these "boys" have been touring the world for the better part of the last 40 years!  They have done more to popularize this music worldwide than  any other Celtic band!  Ambassadors of good will, they have invited in practically every popular artist from every genre (rock to country) to join in making music in this rich cultural tradition.  This CD is no exception showcasing the band's work with such luminaries as Van Morrison, Sting, The Rolling Stones and Joni Mitchell.  Their love of the music is infectious and equaled only by their superlative musicianship and dedication to keeping the tradition alive.  No Celtic collection would be quite complete without at least one recording by this legendary group!  RC

Capercaillie: Live in Concert

In the forefront of the Contemporary Celtic music scene, this innovative group has blazed their own trail taking Celtic music way beyond its traditional roots and infusing it with world influences as well as rock and other contemporary influences to create their distinctive signature sound.  Whether listening to a ballad featuring Karen Matheson's lovely voice or the group tearing up a unique instrumental arrangement of a group of jigs & reels, the talent and electrifying musicianship of this ensemble is palpable throughout their music.  Here they are live and in full color!  Speaking of color, this concert is also soon to be available here at EO on DVD!  RC

Cherish the Ladies: Woman of the House

With their latest release on Rounder Records and produced by famed musician and composer Phil Cunningham, Cherish the Ladies cements their reputation as one of the finest ensembles of Celtic musicians on either side of the Atlantic. The group recorded much of 'Woman of the House' in Scotland with many of their talented friends from the festival including Kate Rusby, Sharon Shannon, Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, Liz Kane and Laoise Kelly. The resulting combination of reels, jigs and heart-rending ballads is a glorious celebration of a thriving musical tradition.

Altan: The Best of Altan

 Equally at home delivering a tender ballad or a rollicking set of reels, this group has stayed true to the traditions of this genre while keeping the music fresh and exciting.  This "Best of" is a good overview of the breadth of their musical tastes and abilities.  RC

Solas: Waiting for an Echo

This super group of musicians was assembled by and is aptly led by multi-instrumentalist Seamus Egan.  "Waiting for an Echo" is a return to their roots with a heavier concentration on their instrumental music than the previous few outings.  Definitely a top notch Celtic band well worth a listen. RC

Lunasa Redwood

Without a doubt, Lúnasa is one of the most celebrated new bands to come out of Ireland in a long time. Described as "full of imaginative leaps, and fiery, faultless playing" (The Irish Echo), their music befits the background of its members: Trevor Hutchinson (The Waterboys, Sharon Shannon Band) and Donough Hennessy (Sharon Shannon Band) on acoustic bass and guitar, Kevin Crawford (Moving Cloud) on flute, and Seán Smyth (Coolfin) on fiddle.

"Ireland’s Lúnasa are the new Celtic royalty." - The Boston Herald