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"Two Strings on Every Bow" is my second compilation of ballads. As in my first CD "Mary and the Solder" I've kept the arrangements simple and uncluttered, the focus being on the songs themselves and the stories they tell. Just a note on some of the songs. There is the usual delightful assortment of characters - not all of them human. "Master McGrath" is the famous greyhound from Lurgan who is still remembered in Ireland today (If I recall, there is at least one monument dedicated to his memory). In "Two Strings on Every Bow" a flock of birds make shrewd obervations on the ways of men. "Bold McShane" - "from the plains of Kildare" recounts with style and bravado his adventures in England as a migrant laborer. A courageous damsel in "Jock o'Hazeldean" shocks polite society by leaving the groom and wedding guests waiting at the altar while she elopes with her true love. The prize for cheek, however, has to go to Willy o' Winsbury for impregnating the king's daughter and then sassing him! "The Quiet Land of Erin" is a song that seems to have the power to make you homesick, even if it's for a place you've never been. "The Hills of Donegal", "Boys of Mullaghbawn" and "Maid of Culmore" are all about leaving Ireland and they remind us that there were as many stories as there were emigrants - I'm glad some of them left us their songs to remember them by. "The Raven" is the only song on this album that is not traditional. It was written by Scottish songwriter Andrew Connell, who draws his inspiration from ancient celtic archetypes - in this case - the Triple Godess, in her aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone. There should be something on this CD to appeal to anyone who enjoys traditional ballads, but if you are looking for anything techno, slick, jazzy, pop, blues or country - well, this one's not for you! To those who do order this CD - I hope you enjoy it and please e-mail me with your comments! Check out the artist's website: http://www.maryfsmith.freeservers.com Track List: 1. Maid of Culmore 2. Battle O'Harlaw 3. Quiet Land of Erin 4. Hills of Donegal 5. Bold McShane 6. Boys of Mullaghbawn 7. Johnny Cope 8. Jock O'Hazeldean 9. Lassie Wi' the Yellow Coatie 10. The Raven 11. Willy o' Winsbury 12. Master McGrath 13. Road Tae Dundee 14. Two Strings on Every Bow Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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