Celtic Women
Putumayo, 2020
8/10
Much like the title implies, the Putumayo label brings us sublime female voices from Ireland, Scotland and others, where a cultured, enlightening, and glorious listening experience unfolds with varied beauty.
Emily Smith starts the listen with the breezy, Scottish folk sounds of “Take You Home”, where elegance and beauty are both in attendance, and Karen Matheson follows with “Ca Na Dh’fhag Thu M’fhichead”, where cautious strings and a subdued mood are easy to be enamored with.
In the middle, the playful “Spanish Lady”, by the sister duo Maighread and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, offers gorgeous vocal harmonies, while Cathy Ryan’s “Garden Valley” is a piano focused highlight of warm timelessness. Another late stand out includes “Cailin Mo Runsa”, where Eilis Kennedy’s vocal acrobatics illuminate the sophisticated atmosphere as a harp and strings are both contribute much.
At the end, Rebecca Pidgeon finds a lovely mood with “Fhear a Bhata”, where a hint of Americana illuminates the landscape, and Rose Laughlin’s “Wild Mountain Thyme” exits the listen with flowing harmonies as the Scottish folk tune is reinvented in her stunning vision.
Like all the compilations the Putumayo label releases, Celtic Women maintains a substantial theme, as we’re treated to artists from across the globe who are all proficient at their respective art which makes for a lovely and fascination listening experience.
Travels well with: Putumayo- Paris Cafe; Putumayo- Joy To The World