by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Cynthia Bennett
Album: "Mother Ireland's Daughters"
Year produced: 2007

This CD is about post-1798 Ireland. It gives a solid nod to the women and talks about change. Cynthia Bennett has an unusual voice and it is captivating as she weaves through the familiar opening track, "Wearing Of The Green." It helps give the song a new dimension. I enjoy the depth of her voice, even if it does tend to take one by surprise a bit.

Bennett leaves me feeling like I've just spent time with an Irish lad's mother who told me some family history through song. Maternal is definitely a quality that comes through in her voice; caring and knowledgeable all at the same time.

The style of the CD is very much traditional, with a simple acoustic sound and feel to it. The focus here is on the stories that the songs tell about the life and times of those from Ireland who live on in song. There isn't exactly a dearth of material to choose from, but it can be done well, or it can be done poorly. Bennett puts the effort forth to make sure it connects; and indeed it does.

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Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her website at www.catherineltully.com.

Labels: cd_review_2008

Posted by Marc Gunn, Tuesday, March 11, 2008.
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