Celtic Woman ... more than just pretty Irish faces
Put me in front of four pretty Irish girls singing sweet songs with angelic voices, and I'm happy. But Celtic Woman, which played at the Coliseum tonight, delivers a lot more than that.
To give you an idea, the ensemble closed the show's first half with the stirring Mo Ghile Mear -- recorded on "The Long Black Veil" by The Chieftains with Sting providing vocals -- and Celtic Woman blows Paddy Maloney and his lads away.
Besides the four front ladies, who sing so sweetly their version of "Scarborough Fair" could make Art Garfunkel cry, Celtic Woman comes at you with eight backup singers and strong musicianship from two percussionists, a versatile keyboardist/pianist, a guitar player, bassist and a guy who plays the Irish pipes, Irish whistle and whatever else is needed.
Then there's Mairead Nesbitt, a swirling sprite of musical energy. I couldn't decide whether she's a dancing fiddler or a fiddling dancer. Either way, she's a scene-stealer whenever she's on stage.
The well-choreographed, varied program is joyful and captivating ... absolutely excellent. From Irish traditionals like Siuil A Run, sung by my favorite, Orla Fallon, to newer offerings like "You Raise Me Up," each song is nicely arranged and just flawlessly performed.
One complaint: floor seating at the Coliseum stinks. Mostly I could see the fat head of the guy directly in front of me -- exactly the same view suffered by the guy directly behind me. We moved to higher seating on the side after intermission, as did quite a few other folks.
I didn't want to miss a moment.
Comments (10)
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Doug,
For once, we have total agreement. This was a powerful show that was missed by the vast majority of the population of the county. The average age there last night was about 50. and mostly females. Those males in attendance probably said that they were there to support their spouse, but left realizing that had an excellent time of it.. It is unfortunate that most young people do not appreciate that which is really music and entertainment.
I sat low on the upper arena and had an excellent view, although I have crick in my neck today from looking down and to the side. I remarked to my wife that unless you were sitting in the first few rows on the floor, you didn't have a very good view of the event. This was a case of sitting in the Bob Uecker seats did provide a great view.
Posted on February 27, 2008 1:52 PM
I think you're right on about the average audience age. There were some younger people; not many. Quite a few couples but I'd agree more women than men overall.
Frankly, I'd think the show would be more appealing to men for obvious reasons.
Posted on February 27, 2008 4:02 PM
I should add, to balance my gribe about floor seating -- the ushers were great. Many were on hand because it wasn't easy for people to immediately figure out the seat numbering scheme, and they were very polite and helpful. They just couldn't do anything about the view.
On the other hand, they didn't stop anyone from moving to other seats higher up.
Posted on February 27, 2008 4:05 PM
Doug,
I think that unless young people are rabid listeners of NPR or PBS, they have never been exposed to entertainment like this, which is shame I suspect many people in Greensboro feel that it to much like Classical Music. Obviously, it is not. It's different than what most young people are exposed to, but the Celtic genre is growing in appeal.
I agree that men would fine this show interesting if they went. The Irish lasses were easy to the eye and ear.
Posted on February 27, 2008 5:53 PM
Doug,
By the way, Orla Fallon is my personal favorite as well in all categories.
Posted on February 27, 2008 5:59 PM
She seems to be the most mature of the four.
Posted on February 27, 2008 9:23 PM
Doug, I envy you. Only recently have I encountered the music of Celtic Woman. I bought their Christmas album this past Christmas and was pleasantly surprised (I even wrote about it). They have gorgeous voices. (As the husband of a red-haired, green-eyed lass, I suppose it's not necessary for me to underscore their appeal beyond the realm of the aural.)
Posted on February 28, 2008 4:02 PM
Jon, you are evoking envy of your own describing your wife.
My own beautiful bride has green eyes but always brushed off my suggestions she should enhance her natural hues with something a little more Irish. So she's only almost perfect.
Posted on February 28, 2008 4:12 PM
Nothing better than a green-eyed lovely ...
Posted on February 28, 2008 4:39 PM
I have been lucky enough to catch the PBS Programs of Irish Woman and have been taken away. They are such tallented ladies with voices to rival any super Star of today! They each have such a nice individual style but when together bring something very, very special to their music. I consider myself very lucky to have seen their programs and would love to someday see them in person!!!!!
I pray that more and more of their programs will be forthcoming!!
Ken
PS: Yes, they are very beautiful young ladies but there is something even more special that seems to glow from inside of them and comes forth in their music!!!!!!!!!
Posted on April 19, 2008 8:08 PM