Maire Brennan: whisper to the wild water (Word)
By Joe Breen
Her voice may be one of those signature sounds of recent years, but though she has a considerable following in the Celtic/new age genre, Maire Brennan has struggled to climb out from under the shadow of Clannad. This typically richly layered collection should help, though those of an atheistic bent might find the religious themes of the bulk of the material hard to swallow. Yet this is no mawkish indulgence; there is passion and conviction in her singing and her songs, whether they be originals or versions of traditional tunes. These are unashamed statements of faith in both Irish and English and all the better for it. Co-producer Denis Woods helps provide a polished and fat sound, allowing Brennan's pure voice full rein to deliver and the playing is of the quality one would expect.
Emmylou Harris: Roses in the Snow (Warner Bros)
By Joe Breen
Another chance to get hold of this country classic from 1980, and at a reduced price to boot (though clocking in at a pre-CD era 30.42 mins, it would want to be reduced!). I'd forgotten how good this return to her country and bluegrass roots sounded. Produced by then husband Brian Ahern, the 10 tracks include wonderful examples of musicianship and singing, which is not surprising as her band included Emory Gordy on bass, Albert Lee on mandolin and guitar, Tony Rice on guitar, Ricky Skaggs on sundry instruments plus The Whites, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton on harmonies. Standouts include the title track, a chilling Wayfaring Stranger and a vibrant I'll Go Stepping Too, but truthfully there is not a weak track and Harris's beautifully fragile voice has never sounded better.