The Chieftains 4

by The Chieftains

Overview

This record, made on the eve of the group's breakthrough in the United States, is where the modern Chieftains sound began. It is filled with too many instances of hauntingly beautiful music to name, from the gorgeous, reflective "Morgan Magan" to the rousing fiddle reel "The Bucks of Oranmore." Not only is all of the material absolutely first rate -- and all of it holds up on repeated listening -- but this was the first of the group's albums to include harpist Derek Bell. His presence has the curious effect of softening but deepening their sound, and adding a degree of lyricism that they'd previously lacked. There are moments on this album where the group sounds as much like a chamber orchestra as a folk ensemble, and it fulfills both roles exceptionally well (as listeners to the numerous albums that have appeared since can attest). The lineup here -- Paddy Moloney (pipes, tin whistle), Sean Potts (tin whistle), Michael Tubridy (flute, concertina, tin whistle), Martin Fay (fiddle), Sean Keane (fiddle), Peader Mercier (bodhran, bones), Derek Bell (harp) -- is generally considered the peak of the group's membership and history, and lasted until the end of the decade. ~ Bruce Eder

Product Details

Release Date:	07/18/2000
Label:	Atlantic/Wea
UPC:	0075678335129
Rank:	80149

Tracks

1. Drowsy Maggie
2. Morgan Magan
3. The Tip of the Whistle
4. The Bucks of Oranmore
5. The Battle of Aughrim
6. The Morning Dew
7. Carrickfergus
8. Hewlett
9. Cherish the Ladies
10. Lord Mayo
11. Mn¿¿ Na H¿¿ireann
12. The O'Keefe's Slide/An Suisan B¿¿n/Star Above the Garter, the/Weavers

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Chieftains   Primary Artist
Paddy Moloney   Guest Artist,Pipe,Director,Tin Whistle,Whistle (Instrument),Uillean Pipes
Derek Bell   Guest Artist,Harp
Sean Potts   Tin Whistle,Whistle (Instrument)
Sean Keane   Soloist,Fiddle,Violin
Michael Tubridy   Flute,Concertina,Tin Whistle
Martin Fay   Fiddle,Violin,Percussion
Peadar Mercier   Bodhran

Technical Credits

Sean O Riada   Composer
Paddy Moloney   Arranger,Composer
Edward Delaney   Cover Painting
Peter Wildbur   Design
Traditional   Composer
Carolan   Composer
Paul Tregurtha   Engineer