Cherish

This CD is a blend of tradition and Celtic Christmas songs both vocal and instrumental performed in the Celtic style of music by these extremely talented women. It contains well known favorites which include Silent Night, Angels We Have Heard On High, and the overdone The Little Drummer Boy which still enjoyable song when performed by these ladies, it also contains a different version of The French carol The holly and The Ivy with slightly different lyrics and a different melody which greatly enhances the meaning of the carol. For those who enjoy Celtic music this is a CD worth owning. If it has one fault it is that since it is strictly a Christmas album and must be set aside after the holidays, however when taken out again it brings that much more warmth to the season.

Even after four years of listening to it, this album never gets old and is still my favorite. It's like going to a ceili (Irish music and dance party) and hearing them play Christmas songs. Some are easy listening and others actually make you want to stepdance. The only negative thing I can say about it is that it isn't a double album. Highly recommended!

The singer's voice on this cd is incredible. I had never heard of the group, went to see them at the UMASS Fine Arts Center and decided to buy the cd. ($20 at the concert, $10 at Amazon!) They were awesome in person with lots of stories and dancing to accompany but the music does speak for itself also!

My only disappointment was Amazon. Not up to their usual great selling process. I actually ordered 3 cds then opened the package to wrap gifts and only found one, with a broken case! That was a bummer but the music did not disappoint. If you ever get a chance to see the ladies in person, do not pass it up!

I'm not a huge fan of Cherish the Ladies and all their music, though no one can say they lack talent. However, their Christmas album is exquisite, with very lively tunes that we all know, and a few that most people have never even heard. Being an extreme traditional Celtic music fan, this is the Christmas CD I had been looking for.

I love this CD. I'm on Amazon checking out other 'Cherish the Ladies' CDs because I adore this CD so much. I received it as a gift last year and it is my favorite Christmas CD. Enjoy!

This is a wonderful collection of new Celtic music. It is not a beer-chugging sing-along, but rather a refreshing assortment of reels, jigs and ballads sung by the beautiful voices of these Ladies...I do cherish them!

This is NOT a bad review! CTL's beautiful vocals and instrumentation/arrangements soothe the savage beast(s). My 2 dogs, Henry (boxer/whippet mix) and Sophie (shepherd/huskie combo platter) come in from the other room to listen when I put this on. They settle right down and don't bother me when I have this on at home when I am working or when it's "quiet time" at night. The pitch must be just right to them to make them so relaxed. Celtic Twilight 3: "Lullabies" has a similar effect. Thanks, CTL!!!!

I have bought every Cherish album I have come across. This one is especially good. The selection of tracks, the voices, and music is wonderful. I will cherish this album.

Once again, Cherish the Ladies has come out with a beautiful and incredibly well-made album. They are one of the most consistent Celtic groups on that front: each album they've made is equally as satisfying as the last. Beautiful harmonies, fiery fiddling and rock-solid rhythm make these ladies stand out among the crowd.

This is a perfect gift for fans of Celtic or Folk music, or women's music in general. Slainte!

Rounder Records presents Cherish the Ladies and their 10th album beginning in 1992 with the latest release "Woman of the House", featuring Joanie Madden (flute/alto flute/low&high whistles/harmony vocals), Mary Coogan (guitars/mandolin/banjo/banjitar/octave mandolin), Heidi Talbot (vocals), Roisin Dillon (fiddle), Mirella Murray (accordion)...with their special guest Sharon Shannon (accordion), Liz Kane (fiddle), Kate Rusby (vocals), Eddi Reader (vocals), Karen Matheson (vocals), Donna Long (piano/harmony vocals), Phil Cunningham (piano/keyboards), Laoise Kelly (harp), Triona Ni Dhomhnaill (piano), John Joe Kelly (bodhran), Phil Bowler (upright bass/bowed bass), James MacIntosh (drums/percussion), Ewan Vernal (bass on "Betsy Belle"), Donald Shaw (Wurlitzer on "Betsy Belle").

One can only soak up the Celtic vibes that spew the air of magical enchantment with this lineup of tunes and artists...all the selections traditional arranged by Cherish the Ladies..."BETSY BELLE AND MARY GRAY"..."CAROLAN'S FAVORITE JIG/THE RAKES OF CASHEL/HIGHLAND MARCH IN OSCAR & MALVINA"..."THE FAIRY QUEEN/THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH/PADDY KELLY'S/WOMAN OF THE HOUSE"..."THE GREEN FIELDS OF CANADA"..."THE OLD MAIDS OF GALWAY/THE SUNNY BANKS/THE FLOODED ROAD TO GLENTIES/FREE & EASY"..."FAIR AND TENDER LADIES"..."PADDY O'SNAP/ROBIN KELLEGHER/THE COVE OF CORK".

Some of the highlights are "THE JOLLY SEVEN/THE RASCAL ON THE HAYSTACK/BONKERS IN YONKERS" (composed by Joanie Madden)..."THE HILLS OF NEW ZELAND" (composed by Joanie Madden)..."FAIR AND TENDER LADIES" (arranged by Cherish the Ladies and Phil Cunningham)..."SWEET THAMES FLOW SOFTLY" (words & music by Ewan Maccoll)...all in all this is the exploration of five ladies digging deep into their roots and musical heritage of Ireland and this land of ours America.

Want to thank Phil Cunningham (producer) and Rounder Records for this wonderful release...if you ever wanted to sample the Celtic genre of music...this is the one to pick up...these musicians and performers are without a doubt the most popular Irish group right now on the planet...Cherish the Ladies!

Total Time: 52:00 on 11 Tracks ~ Rounder Records 617063 ~ (9/27/2005)

I loved this disc from the moment I first heard it. I listen to it all the time and never get tired of it. They're fine musicians, and in the spirit of The Chieftains, they love to invite their friends to perform with them. The Ladies really are the best.

This is my second time I purchased this particular cd. I lost the first one and couldn't be without it. I just love these gals and this cd also has others on it that are super. great music.

I absolutely love this album! I purchased my first copy about 2 years ago and played it over and over again because I love so many of the tunes and learned a few songs for the Irish Feis' and the Fleadh Ceol. I played this CD so much, I think I wore it out...so I recently purchased another copy in June, 2006. I love Deidre Connolly's voice (especially on Erin Gra Mo Chroi---Ireland Love Of My Heart)....just brilliant! Joanie Madden continues to amaze with her tin whistles....the music she creates is spectacular! All of the gals in Cherish The Ladies are incredible musicians...keep up the great music!

A few years ago I had the pleasure of seeing Joanie Madden at the Savannah Irish festival. I'm sorry to say that it was my first time hearing her play, and while I'd heard of Cherish the Ladies, I wasn't familiar with any of their music. Hearing her live was my impetus for getting one of their CDs and I'm so glad I did.

This CD is a lovely collaborative effort with the Ladies and their friends, and it's entertaining and crisp from start to finish. From sentimental love songs like Bonny Blue-Eyed Nancy, to the tongue in cheek wit of The Mad Puck Goat, it's one of those experiences you have when you just feel lucky to be along for the ride. And hats off to their rendition of Down by the Glenside with Paddy Reilly. He really is one of the best ballad singers out there and he's a treat on this cut.

The Ladies are great. Don't miss them.

I think there should have been more focus on the band, rather than guest performers. In general, I didn't like the guest singing performances, despite how famous the guys may be. The instrumental tracks are stellar, with all-star guests such as Liam O'Flynn and Matt Molloy. "Broom of the Cowdenknowes" is my favorite track. Great song, great vocals. "Erin Grá Mo Chroí" is a beautiful song very well-sung (the Dervish version on Midsummer's Night is also highly recommended). "Queen of Connemara" and "Jolly Beggarman" are other good songs. I didn't really like the arrangement of "An Poc Ar Buile", although it is still a good song. The other songs just didn't do it for me. But still definitely worth buying for any trad fan.

This is a very good album. One of the best which I have heard this year.

I love this CD, and I love Cherish. They keep me rockin' to every song.

I have the first album of Cherish "Unappreciated" too, but I think that this is more better! I don't have my favourite song but I'd like all album on the whole...Cherish have an excellent vocalist!!!

This album is the from the 4 girls from the ATL. They put there heart and soul into this album.

"The Truth" is a decent album. Not bad at all for a sophmore follow up.
Cherish does a good job staying on track, slipping very little. The group has room to grow with sign's of potential.

Fiona Ritchie, the host of NPR's Celtic music program "The Thistle & Shamrock," compiled the 17 tracks found on this wonderful collection of Celtic music. For those disappointed reviewers who thought they were buying a collection of well known American Christmas songs, they obviously didn't read the track listing. [Did you think "Maneo Da Ulla" was perhaps Gaelic for "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"?]

So what is a "ceilidh" (pronounced kay-lee)? After a quick google.com search, I learned that it is simply "an Irish or Scottish social gathering with traditional music, dancing, and storytelling." The hour's worth of music on this disc (taken from the vaults of Green Linnet Records) is--to quote the liner notes--"to echo the spirit of her village Christmas Ceilidh." It is not Christmas music per se (only John Renbourn's solo guitar rendition of "I Saw Three Ships" and the Tannahill Weavers' gorgeous reading of "Auld Lang Syne" are recognizable holiday songs), but the music certainly captures the feeling of the holiday as Fiona Ritchie envisioned it. [As a bonus, the booklet includes a recipe for Mrs. Wilkinshaw's Dundee Cake--one of the prizes awarded as part of the Christmas Ceilidh raffle.]

One benefit of this not being recognizable holiday music is that you can enjoy it year 'round. So throw another yule log on the fire, hoist a pint of your favorite ale, and enjoy! [Running Time - 62:43] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

There is something about playing a disc of Celtic Christmas music that brings the whole spirit of the season closer to home; and Fiona Ritchie has done a marvellous job putting together this disc. She has picked out her favourite Green Linnet selections in order to echo the spirit of her village's Christmas Ceilidh. Fiona is the host and producer of National Public Radio's The Thistle and Shamrock, which is one of the most popular and longest running music programs on public radio in the States.

You won't find anything here to disappoint you, but much to put you in the mood for trimming the tree, wrapping gifts, and of course for baking those yummy Christmas goodies for family and friends. In fact, included is a recipe for Mrs. Walkinshaw's Dundee Cake! I'll be trying this one out next week!

With 17 different tracks and artists I could be easily driven to distraction trying to figure out which three to share with you. The entire disc is that good! So I went with one which has some familiar history, and then one of the two traditional Christmas pieces which are recognizable world-wide. And I had to choose the one which stood out above all others for the final pick. So without further ado - here we go!

Andy M. Stewart and Manus Lunny give us a delightful track entitled At It Again. It is a humorous tale, believe me, and nobody could deliver it like this talented artist, once the renowned vocalist for Silly Wizard. And when you join this incredible voice with the Uillean pipes, well, you have the beginnings of something compelling and passion filled! This track will bring a smile to your heart and a laugh to your lips!

John Renbourn provides a seasonal staple with I Saw Three Ships. Johnís a very gifted guitarist, and shows his stuff with this piece, embellishing the chorus with extra notes and picking the melody out quite clearly. I could sit and listen to him play for hours, but all too soon the piece is over.

The Moving Cloud by Kips Bay is the piece which leapt out and stayed in my mind with each and every listen. It is taken from a live performance, and the disc Into the Light. This group is incredibly unique, well gifted, and very diverse in its background! Front man Pat Kilbride is amazing on the guitar, as is button accordionist John Whelan. Steve Missal once played in Ted Nugent's band, and was also Billy Idol's drummer. Richard Lindsey is a stellar world beat bassist, and Kenny Landrum is a keyboardist with flying fingers! I love reels, but this one is supercharged!

This is a spectacular taste of Celtic talent and will add much to your festive spirit! From Altan to Wolfstone, you'll find it here, as well as the included tale of a village Ceilidh. Treat yourself this Christmas; you'll be glad you did!

Review Originally Posted at LinearReflections.com

Don't expect traditional Christmas carols here, or (unfortunately) any narrations by The Thistle & Shamrock's Fiona Ritchie, but nonetheless, this is an enjoyable collection of boisterous party music and a few wistful winter recollections from artists on the Green Linnet label. Featured is an all-star cast at their best: Altan, Andy M. Stewart and Manus Lunny, the House Band, Liz Carroll, Capercaillie, John Renbourn, Touchstone, Milladoiro, Phil Cunningham, Patrick Street, Cherish the Ladies, Niamh Parsons and the Loose Connections, Wolfstone, Lunasa, Manus McGuire, the Tannahill Weavers, and Kips Bay. Radio host Fiona Ritchie's selections are always well-chosen, and the tracks on this album are no exception. And while we don't hear her voice, the liner notes do contain a lengthy narrative penned by Fiona, as well as a recipe for Mrs. Walkinshaw's Dundee Cake. Beannachtai na Feile!

I was looking forward to this album, but as with many Celtic Christmas albums I have purchased, this was a major diappointment. It didn't particularly have anything to do with Christmas. The album title and list of artists made me think that this would include traditional Christmas songs from the Irish and Scottish traditions. I would love to find such an album. This definitely was not it. On the other hand, unlike my other Christmas music, it is something I can play year-round as well as at Christmas time. I just would have liked to know that before I bought the album.

I was sorely disappointed by this album, which is a fine collection of Celtic music, mostly instrumental, but I was expecting an album with the word "Christmas" in it to have some, I don't know, Christmas music? There ain't none. It has a misleading title.

This was my first Cherish the Ladies CD and is still my favorite. It's not that that the others are subpar, this one is just amazing. My two favorites are Matt Hyland (great harmonizing) and The Waves of Kilkee (beautiful melody) I had the good fortune to see them in St. Paul, MN at the Irish Fair in 04, defintely the best act there. Joannie is not only an amazing flute/whistle player, but one of the funniest people fronting any band.

I received this CD by mistake from BMG over four years ago. I procrastinated and forgot to return it, and in a recent spring cleaning I found it, opened it, and popped it in the CD player. What a surprise! I loved every track, from the traditional jigs and reels to the innovative remake of "Leader of the Band," which took me by surprise and had me singing along. Thanks to this mistake, I now intended to collect their other albums. Now I only wish I had listened to it years ago!

A nice later album from this all-star, all-gal trad band. On this album, the Ladies bring in various members of their families to perform alongside the ensemble...The Longs, Maddens, Clancys, et al., pitch in, and show where the group's trad roots come from. Other than a horrendous version of Dan Fogelberg's '70s AOR neolith, "The Leader Of The Band," this is a great album. (I "get" the thematic tie between the lyrics and this album; I just can't stand the song and think it's really cheesy.) Otherwise, this disc has an admirable mix of instrumentals and ballads, and Joannie Madden's piping is, as ever, a heavenly aural treat. Recommended.

I have always felt it difficult to explain *why* I like a particular album by a particular group. Something about music is to me beyond explanation. It moves the soul, moves the passions, and brings a smile to your face; yet it defies explanation. Nevertheless, I know good music when I hear it, and this was good music.

One thing I can say is that I have heard neo-Irish and Celtic groups who, in my opinion, completely ruin the music. They add all these strange electronic effects, and mix the ancient music with a few too many electric guitars and such. Cherish the Ladies is not a group in that category. They understand traditional music, and how to use modern instruments to enhance it rather than destroying it.

It's just good music.

This is my second Cherish The Ladies album, and as much as I loved the first one, this one makes me appreciate these gals all the more.

First, the alternating enervating dance numbers with tender ballads gives the album a great balance. The fact that one of the ballads, "The Waves of Kilkee", is strictly and beautifully instrumental just adds the variety of this CD.

And then, there are a couple of welcome surprises here. One is a touching rendition of Dan Fogelberg's "The Leader Of The Band", dedicated to their fathers. Fogelberg's song is enhanced by the weaving of a traditional reel, "Devaney's Goat", with the main melody.

The set of dances that follows is a Father's Day Medley that starts with a hornpiipe played by banjo and accordian, the same combination of instruments playing the following reel. Third part of the medley, "Drag Her 'round the Road", features Paddy Rafferty's authentic traditional lilting. The medley ends with "Bag of Spuds, featuring some step dancing.

This medley is followed by another welcome surprise,the song "John of Dreams", borrowed first from a Southern Italian lullaby and then used as a principal theme in Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6.

These, cuts 6,7,8,& 9, form the heart of the album, but the energizing jigs and reels and the exquisite ballads as sung by Aoife Clancy that surround this "heart" set off the whole collection perfectly.

Highly recommended for all lovers of Irish and Celtic music.

These ladies reflect their upbringing by singing classic Irish tunes in a fun and easy listening way. We "discovered" them about the time we discovered Lorie Line, in a very small California county called Humboldt. That was ten years ago and we are still loyal fans! Brava, ladies!

Bought this CD for my wife who is a big fan of traditional Irish music. I love the beautiful voices. The voice & instruments mix are very clear; one is not over powering the other.

This is one that I play over and over for the lilt of the fiddles and flute and the stunning vocals. Great traditional Celtic music performed as originally intended. Makes you want to dance. You can't resist singing along with the ones you know.
I've seen this group perform at the Winfield Festival which was a real treat. I whole-heartedly recommend this CD!

The Song's "Green Grow The Rushes Oh" and "Broken Wings" alone would make this collection of music worth the price. Toss in the other great vocals and instrumentals and you have one of the best collection of traditional Irish music available today.

Aoife Clancy's vocals were the heart of Cherish The Ladies music for several years and this collection includes many of her best.

Buy it and you'll never regret it.

If you are a Celtic music fan, you'll like this one. It has a good variety, including some dance music.

I remember when Cherish first came out in mid-2003 and placed in storage by 2004. I didn't even think that these young cuties would ever come out of the storage after 2 1/2 years. These promoters and writers did an outstanding job for bringing Cherish back to the mode in 2006. Yes, I bought it by the end of the summer. All thanks to my baby sister who told me about "Do It To It". I recall hearing on the radio during the summer of 2006. Didn't know who it was. Without her, this purchase wouldn't of happened. My favorite is "Unappreciated". To me, a guy has to appreciate his cutie. It's all thanks to this beautiful girl group Cherish. I love them very much.

I'm not going to act like this was the best cd I ever heard but I will give some props. It was decent. The songs were commercial and pop-ish.They aren't all that memorable but some of them have catchy hooks.Thus I give it a 3. It was nothing spectacular but they cd can be listened to cover to cover which is a feat in itself. I recommend moment in time as my favorite.

these girls need to kiss each other and release their inner demons and join the occult hahahahaha.

Cherish had a song floating around back in 2003 called "Miss P.", but after it failed to garner any interest from the public, the album it was supposed to be on was shelved. Then they made an appearance on Da Brat's song "In Love Wit Chu" off her Limelite, Luv & Nightclubz album (but nobody bought THAT either). But the foursome finally hit it big by borrowing the YoungBloodZ's Sean Paul for their song "Do It to It"; thus, they were finally album to release an album, Unappreciated.

The best songs on the album are the ones that go into sexual territory, like "Show and Tell". And even though "Chevy" might seem corny to some listeners, it did the trick for ME. But the reason why nobody is really talking about this album is because of the ladies themselves. Now, it goes without saying that the ladies all look like each other because they're sisters (which isn't a bad thing because beauty obviously runs in the family), but the thing is; they all SOUND exactly the same too, which proves for a lack of distinction.

And speaking of that, looking at the album as a whole, it really doesn't sound much different from any other R&B girl group's album out there. That, and there a few songs that I can do without, like "Taken", "Chick Like Me" (featuring Rasheeda) and "Stop Callin' Me". Oh, well; the King sisters do have talent, but if they really want people to cherish their style, then they should vary it up a little.

Anthony Rupert

BRISTISH CUSTOMERS AND EXCUSE HAVE RETAINED MY CDS SUBJECT TO IMPORT CHARGE - I WILL NEVER BE USING THIS SITE AGAIN

I am a huge Cherish the Ladies fan having seen them first at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. They wowed the crowds there and brought down the house. The have been a returning favorite. I have many of their CD's and this one fulfills my expectations. I love the mix of jigs and reels that get me dancing in my livingroom with my kids, but truly love the airs and ballads which I love to sing along to. My favorite on this CD is "Broken Wings". It's my 7-year old son's favorite too. A must in the library of anyone who loves good Irish music.

It's amazing how some bands (like Kenny G and Nsync) can play all night and leave you feeling as cold and unwanted as a Bum sleeping on Lower Wacker Drive, and others can hold you enraptured in the hollow of their hands with one simple phrase. Cherish the Ladies is definitley the latter. I first heard them on PBS while absentmindedly channel-surfing one night. I only saw the second portion of their finale, but I was caught up enough in this brief exposure to their sound, that when I heard tehy were coming to Milwaukee's Irish Fest, I knew I had to see them. It was by far the bright spot of the day. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

As usual with a Cherish the Ladies CD this one is full of wonderful songs and performances.

My favorite is the title track, a wistful song written and sung by Cathie Ryan.
Joannie Madden gives a virtuoso performance on tin whistle in track 8 and Cathie Ryan turns out another tear jerker in My Own Native Land on track 9.
The step dancing in track 4 will make you wish you could dance and... ahh, they're ALL good!

Buy a copy and see for yourself!

Each song recorded by these "cherished ladies" is a jewel to listen to. This recording has a mixture of silly and fun melodies to very heart rendering songs that will linger in your heart long after you have stopped listening. I highly recomend this collection of songs to anyone that truly does cherish celtic sound.