Ronan Hardiman

Pure represents the initial international, read US, CD release of Hayley Westenra. Other albums had been released outside of the US market, but Pure is an excellent cross-section of the wide ranging vocal talent of a sixteen year old New Zealand Popera. This is a must have CD for fans of pitch perfect singers. Her signature piece is Pokarekare Ana. This album has two versions: a basic and extended version. I recommend listening while looking at the CD cover photo. It is amazing to me that such a voice comes out of such a wonderfully talented young woman. If you fall in love with the album and the artist, you will have to have the DVD Hayley Westenra, Live from New Zealand. She is seventeen in it. She takes chances as demonstrated on the cut Wuthering Heights. Hayley has the voice of an angel and probably is one. Highly recommended as the first of many Hayley Westenra albums

I had heard a few songs from this collection and really liked them. She's young but I would like to see how she matures as an artist.

I would have given this 5 stars, except for the execrable "Wuthering Heights" track, which she starts by emitting a note that could only be described as shrieky. I literally jumped the first time I heard it, and it's still unpleasant. Didn't anybody listen to that track before the CD was released? It sounds like a siren (a police siren, I mean), and I don't mean to be nasty because I think she's good, but it sounded as if she was struggling to hit that note, and there was no need for it. She could have taken it down a half-tone and the effect would not have been alarming, the way it is now.

She should also work a bit on her enunciation. For the longest time, when I listened to "Across a Universe of Time" I kept hearing "tell me your vision OF SUNNY DELITE" (instead if "a story begun") She isn't helped in that department by overwrought arrangements. Whoever's arranging the music should work with her fragile voice.

But I'm looking forward to her development as an artist. Just stop screaming, Hayley!

I first discovered Hayley Westenra on Celtic Woman. Then, I heard the song "Wuthering Heights." Contrary to popular opinion, or so it seems, I think this song is amazing, even in her younger years. It's amazing that she can hit the notes, let alone make them beautiful and moving. (Of course, it helps if you've read the book and understand everything behind them...)

I agree that a few of her songs are just a liiiitle too generic, but she definately makes up for it in 90% of her songs, which is more than most artists can say. She only gets better as the years go on, and it is definately worth getting her later CDs as well.


Enjoy!!!

In the interest of full disclosure, I'll say upfront that I'm a huge fan of Hayley's. Pure serves as her debut album for most of the world, and she's an amazing young woman. She has one of the most naturally beautiful voices I've ever heard, and I think it's almost genetically impossible for her to sing anything that doesn't come out lovely. As a singer and music teacher, I also appreciate her technique and near-flawless diction. (She realizes that words have final consonants that should be pronounced even when singing! What a concept!!) Everything I say in this review is in the overall context of noting that Pure is a CD that I listen to over and over.

There are 13 tracks in the US version, with a mix of familiar ("Amazing Grace"), classical ("In Trutina" from Orff's Carmina Burana), and other pieces. Of special note are two Maori songs (Pokarekare Ana and Hine e Hine) whose simple melodies showcase Hayley's admirable lyricism.

This isn't a perfect album. Hayley's taste at this point in her career seems to favor flowing melodies, medium tempos, and sustained lines that show off her voice wonderfully, and the sentiments often are not particularly deep. (She seems to be a very mature teenager, but she is still very young, and the song choices reflect that). As a result, there's a certain sameness to many of the songs that can leave one craving a little more variety. (This is solved on her second album, Odyssey.) An exception to the sameness is "Heaven," an upbeat calypso-inspired ditty about untimely death(!)

And then there's the last track, "Wuthering Heights." Hayley's been quoted as saying this is one of her favorite songs. It contradicts everything else I've said in this review. She shrieks, she swoops, she screeches, she's often unintelligible (thank goodness for the lyrics in the CD insert!). This is Hayley-tries-rock-music and Hayley-goes-wild. It was probably fun to sing. Maybe she needed to get it out of her system. To me, it's just strange.

But there are 12 other tracks that make this remarkable CD well worth having.

Just recently discovering Hayley Westenra I have become an 81 year old fan. I think her voice is outstanding and her selections great. She sang a duet on her 2004 DVD with a Teddy Tahu Rhodes who I'm trying to get his CD's. It's great to have another Sarah Brightman.

the music is hot, and the taps make it hotter, if you get the video, or dvd, it is much better... irish music at its best...

I purchased this CD for my brother. I have had the same CD since I saw this show live and fell in love with the music. We love it! There are only a few tracks with lyrics, the rest are all instrumental.

If you liked Riverdance, you'll love this. After listening to the free samples on this site, I badgered my mum into buying the CD. From the minute I put it on my walkman, I loved it. The way the composer mixes traditional instruments like fiddles with modern instruments like Saxophones and Keyboards is amazing. This gives the music a thicker feel, pushing it way above Riverdance. Whether you have Celtic blood or not you will love it!
Tracks 16 and 17 are especially brilliant with the fast tapping of Michael Flately's feet along with the rest of the Troop. I really want to see the show now!
Buy it or miss out on some of the best music around.

I love Riverdance. I would give this cd a 10 if there was a 10 to rate it. Go IRISH!

While Howard Shore's soundtrack for "Lord of the Rings" got him an Oscar,Ronan Hardiman SHOULD'VE composed the epic trilogy's music.Ronan Hardiman has an instinctive sense of rhythm&motion for his music.This music is PERFECT for Michael Flatley's dancing feet--or the hobbits' shaggy ones.

"Cry of the Celts" is a perfect epic opening.It's primal,beautiful.Shouldn't it have been the background for the opening sequence when Galadriel speaks of the forging of the One Ring?

"Warriors" is wonderfully ominous.It would've been a memorable theme for orcs&uruk-hai.And of course,Sauron.

"Gypsy" is sexy.It could've fit the scenes between Aragorn&Arwen,or Frodo&Galadriel.It's Celtic spice.

"Fiery Nights" shows that yes,saxophones can be great in Celtic music.Would've been great,and sensual,for the Mirror of Galadriel scene as well as Frodo's vision of Galadriel in Mordor.

"Lament" is elegaic.

"Siamsa" is celebratory music.Would've fit ANY of the happy endings at the end of "Return of the King." Why not Sam&Rose's wedding?

"Stolen Kiss","Nightmare"&"Victory" would have fit the finale.

Ronan Hardiman KNOWS Celtic music deeply in his artistry.He had experience with soundtracks before doing this score.He's capable of conveying epic themes.This is a must-listen-to album!

This is an average CD. I do not think it as good as the first. I am really not a fan of The Prayer sung by anyone.

You can bypass the loading of the software by holding down the shift key while the disc loads. Once it stops spinning, it will show up in media player or your other audio program. I am still working to get the software off of my computer, but at least it will not infect any of my other machines. Not that I will purchase any other of this type of disc, ever.

All one would of expect of this exceptional emsemble ... with a few pieces that soar.

Amici Forever is one of the finest singing groups to come along in many, many years. Their musicality is awe inspiring.

These are truely wonderful singing voices,backed up by a beautiful orchestra.The first song actually gave me chills.I can't wait to buy another one of their CD's.I recommend it highly to anyone who loves REAL music.

This is a novel concept for opera lovers and fans. There are some original songs and also some classic arias and ensembles with a modern update. Most of the pieces have been "enhanced" with additional voices (e.g. an aria sung as a two-soprano piece, with three male voices as backup).

Unfortunately, this album has so much echo and reverb that it is almost impossible to hear the artists' actual voices. If you just like opera music, this is a wonderful album, but if you are a student of the operatic voice, look elsewhere.

Of course I've always been in love with Michael Flately ever since Riverdance....but I love the Feet of Flames cd in addition to his Lord of the Dance. My students loves the music because it's upbeat and different.

For lovers of Celtic Music and River Dance this is for you. The music is hauntingly beautiful bringing Ireland into your very home. My original intent was to use it for the country line dance Pot of Gold but I got a whole lot more.

To be honest with you, if I had to choose which was the better CD with the better music, I'd choose Lord of the Dance. But still, Feet of Flames is still a great CD with once again, great music by Ronan Hardiman and Micheal Flatley. If you like Celtic music with a modern twist, you'll enjoy this CD.

About each song:
HIGH PRIESTS: This begins this CD with "monks" chanting in a language I don't know. Very strange, yet I like it. I think the fact that it's strange and a little mysterious is the reason why I like it.
DANCE OF LOVE: One of my favorites on here. It's Micheal Flatley on flute! Yes, the breaths the flutist takes are pretty obvious and it's not hard to miss it, but you get used to it. I love the violin part too. Very pleasant and light.
CARRIKFERGUS: (Nice title for a song!) This song isn't what I expected, and it doesn't seem to fit in. The music, the voice--don't get me wrong, it's nice, but it's too rockish for me.
DUELLING VIOLINS: Reminds me of Strings of Fire a little bit. One of the best on the CD, very beautiful violin music and almost perfect.
WHISPERING WIND: Another beautiful song with Micheal Flatley on flute. This song is so sweet and sad and light all at once. It's the kind of song that fills you up with emotion.
DANCE ABOVE THE RAINBOW: This song reminds me of the song Siamsa from the Lord of the Dance CD. I like it, but then don't like it. The first half of the song consist of lovely violin music. But the second half of the song is this techno-sounding stuff and I don't care for that.
DAWNING: Yes! This is exactly how the Lord of the Dance show begins. I've always wanted the music from the beginning of the show to be included with Cry of the Celts and here it is. I love it much better with it.
SPIRIT'S LAMENT: Another song they forgot to place on the Lord of the Dance CD, which was in the show. It's good, but not as memorable as the other songs on here.
I DREAMT I DWELT: A nice vocal from the show Feet of Flames. The music is nice, the voice is at it's best, and the lyrics are sweet. This is probably my favorite song after "She Moved Through the Fair" from Lord of the Dance. It seems that voice gets better through each song.
STRINGS OF FIRE: Yes! I finally get this song on CD! WHY, did they not include this song on the Lord of the Dance CD? This song, which is mainly violin music is very beautiful, with a lot of energy to it. I'd say it's perfect in every way.
HELL'S KITCHEN: The chanting "monks" are back! This is just High Priests with more music. Somewhat creepy and just as strange, but I like this one better and the music is good. I just wish I could understand what they're saying. But at least I now know how to say "1,2,3,4" in Gaelic!
CELTIC FIRE (LIVE): It's another personal favorite with Micheal Flatley on flute once again! Another perfect, pretty cute song with a lot of energy to it! And I like the fact that it's live. I don't think I would ever be able to enjoy this song without having the screaming fans, and a shouting Flatley in the background. Perfect way to end this CD and it's altogether wonderful.

If you're a fan of Celtic music, Micheal Flatley and just all-around great music, then I'm positive you won't regret buying this CD nor coming across any big disappointments. All I can tell you is enjoy.

We would recommend this CD! We have seen both Riverdance and Michael Flatley's shows and love the all but appreciate LOTD as it's all Irish dancing. My child competes in step dancing and loves the CD and videos. Michael Flatley is truly amazing especially when you consider he's not a youngster anymore! Just an FYI it's Irish Step dancing not clogging or tap dance.

um, what's up with the French guy? buy the CD...I think that's what he wanted to say lol

I received this CD on time and it was exactly what it described.
I am pretty satisfied.
Thank you.

My wife and I discovered this album on our honey moon in Bora Bora. It was playing at a restaurant. I begged and pleaded the staff to find out who it was. I got the name and ordered it as soon as we got home. I have since played it 1000 times and love it every bit as much.

Hardiman's style is similar to Enya's with the snap and crispness lost in her latest releases such as "Amarantine." "Love Song" is the best and everything else on this CD is wonderful as well. The music stands up to repeated listening without being tiresome. In the CD liner notes is a blurb that reads, "Ireland has long been recognized as a principle source of original and innovative music." That is very true. I wonder why it took so long in getting to America. This CD is a great addition to anyone's music collection. Try out the samples to see if you don't agree.

I've had this CD for almost 6 years now and it just keeps getting better and better. All the tracks are perfect and seamlessly merge into one another. The female vocals are ethereal and the music heavenly.
This music will evoke soft emotions, induce a warm feeling, paint a surreal soundscape and make everything beautiful.
Track#3: Dreaming is awesome.

The lead singer has a lovely voice and the songs are done in an individual manner. so many celtic bands just play the music loud and fast and lose the beauty of the music. Solas has not done that here. The flute playing is just beautiful and I love the fiddle playing. What more can be said?

First off, the music is just what the title implies. "Spectacular"
The sonics, depth and overall sound stage is just awesome. Right from the beginning you're pulled into the sound. It's mastered beautifully. There's so much going on with the music, I actually felt I was sitting right in front of each performance. This would be an excellent disc to show off your system/speakers. A perfect example of what SACD is capable of.

5*****Stars+ all the way!

All of the music this SACD is very good. I like very much of the celtic music.

A good music ,good sonics.
I particularly enjoyed some traks such as No. 4 in which James Galway plays but also no. 6 and 9 and the others.

Until 11 years of age, I listened to country music because that's what my parents listened to, and I listened to Kiss. Then I switched to pop and rock music, and Kiss. I discovered new age music when I was 16 and I've now been a fan of new age music for twenty years, and I still love Kiss. In that time I've heard a lot of new age music. I will say that this release from Ronan Hardiman is not something you're going to hear on your local top-40 radio station, and if you're not familiar with new age music, this will probably be a delightful experience of a different kind of music. But if you've had the number of years I've had to develop a more sophisticated taste for new age music, then I would say this isn't a good selection at all.

I found most of it, and his earlier _Solas_ release difficult to listen to. Some tracks sound like an cheap imitation of Robert Miles' Dreamland CD. Remember the piece "Children?" It's the one that made you want to drive fast -- a simple, but catchy, repetitive piano tune with a techno beat, ambient synthesizers and cool audio effects. It was ear candy. At times it seems like Ronan Hardiman is trying to pull this off, but it doesn't seem to work. Part of the problem, I think, is the rather bland vocals. They sound like backup singers, but they're right out in front and trying to carry the music, but they can't. The main reason being that the singers seem disconnected from the music. I hear no soul in their voice. They're not feeling anything. They're just singing notes.

Other tracks sound like they're being played by someone who can't play the piano, but they're standing in the electronics department at Sears experimenting with the rhythms on a Casio keyboard. Seriously, I heard not even a single chord on the piano in the entire CD. It was like he was playing it all with one hand, one note at a time, then a bunch of rhythms, percussion, ambient sounds, etc..., were added to make a boring tune more tolerable.

I should actually think of this CD as a real eye-opener. I can't play the piano well enough to bang on it like Anthony Burger (check him out on The Best of Anthony Burger (2005), he's awesome), but I can certainly hold my own with one-handed tunes with no chords. Given that, all I would have to do now is learn how to use my sequencer, get some good soundfonts and I could make a CD like this.

Overall, if you're expecting more of what you heard in Lord of the Dance, and Feet of Flames (as I was), then you're going to be disappointed. These CDs sound nothing like either of Michael Flatley's productions.

I wish I could give you some idea of who this sounds like. I've seen others say it sounds like a combination of Enya, Era, and Enigma, but I have to completely disagree. I really can't think of anything that this sounds like. It seems to have no parallels. It sounds like the kind of CD you'd get hanging off a 3-pack of air fresheners at a discount store. I certainly hate to be so blunt, but I know that Ronin Hardiman is capable of much better than this. I heard it when I enjoyed Lord of the Dance and Feet of Flames. He's a master, but this release is just a shame.

This music cannot be compared with anything I've ever heard. My only regret is that Ronan Hardiman has not brought out another CD of this type. I was blown away with it's depth and intriguing sounds. The mixture between soft background voices on a few songs and the rhythm of the entire CD was a real surprise and welcomed addition to my collection. I listen to this CD at least once a week and I've had it for over a year. We need more music like Ronan Hardiman's.

This CD sounds pretty much like Karl Jenikns Adiemus but it is softened and more relaxing. If you like Enigma or Enya you will see that they, made groundbreaking steps for music like this wich surpasses them in all dimensions. Simply this is what they were spelling from the horizon. But do not think that it is somtging revolutionary, it looks like folk music of 21 century.
Cerating the very same feeling gregorina chants do. Relaxing.

After hearing one of his songs on a local light jazz station, I got this CD as a birthday present. The music is a mix of new age, pop and neo classic influences that remind me the music of Adiemus, Enya, Bill Whelan and a touch of Cirque du Soleil. It's light, airy positive songs can lift one's spirits.

soft and awesome music for a quiet saturday evening.

I too would agree that this is one of the best Celtic Anthology types of compilations that are available with orchestrations AND the added bonus of very well known guest artist musicians and conductor/orchestra. Of course I may a bit biased because you see I purchased this particular CD recording AT THE CONCERT when it was performed in Cincinnati at the Riverbend Music Center (which the Cincinnati Pops just happens to be the major shareholder in that Music Center along the banks of the beautiful Ohio River) after the studio recording sessions were completed. This amazing CD is one that should not be missed, I highly recommend it as one of Kunzel's best!

This CD was purchesed in order for me to make a Musical Freestyle, which is a dressage ride (horse sport) set to music. I not only made a Freestyle the judges loved, but I also found a new favorite CD. This CD presents a beautiful collage of Celtic music. Every single song is wonderful, from the haunting "Countess Cathleen" to the perky, upbeat "Steps from the Highlands." Buy this CD, you will not be dissapointed. It is perfect for Celtic lovers, and people who have never heard this type of music before!! Well worth the money!!

Very disappointing - Nothing like Riverdance Would not recommend and I am avid fan

After listening to the soundtrack of Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Feet of Flames, Celtic Tiger is in some ways the "same old music", but in other ways, very different and original and seems to have something that the previous three soundtracks lack. This CD doesn't just give you modern Celtic music; it goes through all of the stages of music in our time, from Celtic, classical, hip-hop, jazz, rock, pop etc. As the CD progresses, the music goes from soft and traditional to more modern, and more diverse as it explores different genres of music. So, contrary to what someone said, Celtic Tiger isn't what you would expect and it's not what you heard before. In fact, I was planning on not buying it, after seeing how it wasn't going to be another Lord of the Dance. This CD is like the others, but for the most part, stands from the others.

To give you a better idea, here's a breakdown by song:

ST. PATRICK (ANGULUS): Remember how in the past, there would be one song on the CDs mentioned above, that was sung in another language (for example, Shivna in Riverdance, High Priests and Hell's Kitchen in Feet of Flames, and the chorus to Sula Ruin in Lord of the Dance)? Well, here's your song for Celtic Tiger. This song is not sung in the English language(I'm positive it's Latin). When translated, you will see that the song has a religious theme to it(in the show, Celtic Tiger, the song was about the beginning of Roman Catholicism in Ireland). The song is also very dark, and sounds gothic but it's pretty good. It sends chills down your spine.
THE VIKINGS: This song, like a lot of the other songs on here, starts off slow and calm, and then as it progresses gets stronger and stronger till it hits a climax. In this song, they use the same tune over and over again for about 75% of the song, and the tune gets stronger and stronger as time passes (get it?). This works well with this song, and this is one of my personal favorites on the CD.
THE GARDEN OF EDEN: Now this is my favorite song on here. Now, that's something unusual for me to say, since I usually don't care for the slower songs. But I really do love this song, it sort of reminds me of Celtic Dream from LOTD. It's sort of a meditation song. How do I describe this song? Well, if there's a song that plays in Heaven, then the song would probably sound kind of like this.
THE REDCOATS: Another personal favorite, starting with drums, and then the rest of the song is Michael Flatley on flute along with many other instruments (the violin, fiddle, drum, bell, and even piano). The beginning is very sweet, but the end is very energetic.
THE FAMINE: Another vocal in another language (I'm guessing...Gaelic?). Once again, when translated, there is some religious theme in the song. The emotions that you find in the song is desperation, sadness and fear so it's another song on the darker side.
THE BANSHEE/A NATION ONCE AGAIN: This is a very confusing little song. The first part of the song, it's just a woman crying--like a banshee. ( Yes, this song is one of the weaker ones. In fact I would go as far as to say that the CD wouldn't suffer if this song was taken out). And THEN, three minutes into the song, they start singing "A Naaaaation Oooonce Agaaaain!" Very, confusing, and very random, since the vocal just came out of nowhere. But, it did help the song.
FREEDOM: Now this song is the beginning of the "modern songs" on here. But I have to warn you: this song is pretty....random. First it starts off with a nice, soft fiddle tune and then out of nowhere, it's replaced with this disco, 70's-type music, and then once again, it's randomly replaced with this strip tease tune. Yes, this song is indeed very random, and...amusing.
A NEW WORLD: Another song that explores different types of music besides Celtic. You will listen to flamenco music, jazz, hip-hop, ballet and ballroom music, and then finally, the song will finish with this poppish Celtic tune that is very enjoyable to listen to.
THE LAST ROSE: This is another song with Flately on flute. The song sounds very sad, light, soft, and it reminds me of Whispering Wind from Feet of Flames. It's a beautiful song, but there's one problem: this song is very ill placed in the sequence of tracks on this CD. The song doesn't fit in at all and kind of throws you off, leaving you a little confused.
CELTIC KITTENS: What a cute title for an equally lovely song! It's a mix of Celtic violin and this modern poppish dance beat and the results are very good. It's another personal favorite and don't be surprised if you find yourself dancing to it.
CAPONE: This is another personal favorite. Completely straying away from being anything that has to do with Celtic music, this is, for the most part, a jazz number. It's...cool, and sexy, and fast and almost perfect.
CELTIC TIGER: This song finishes the CD, with electic guitar with tapping feet in the background. It's very energetic, and for the most part, pretty good.

In conclusion: I was left with very little disappointments! Surprisesm yes (from all of the random songs) but for the most part, I don't regret buying this CD! If you're a person who's as passionate about music as I am, then I recommend you get this CD. You'll love it.

I love anything Michael Flatley does he is the best Irish dancer in the whole wide world. He was born to dance. He has made my dreams come true by coming back to dance.

This was the best show i have ever seen plus a fantastic soundtrack.THE BEST PART WAS I ACTUALLY GOT TO SEE MICHAEL FLATLEY LIVE WHICH HAS BEEN MY DREAM SINCE FOREVER!!!!!!!! I'm an irish dancer and would love to be in this show when i'm old enough!!!!

I just want to say that this show, like his previous, is AMAZING.
And the soundtrack is the same. For most of you reviewers before me, who rated this low, I ask why ? If you just like rhythmic toe tapping then i agree, this is not for you, but how can M Flatley have a non stop irish gig? This show deals with the struggles, and many deaths of the Irish people. So i ask, how can he be upbeat and smiling the whole show ? If you just want to see tap dance for 2 hours, please, do look elsewhere.
But if you want QUALITY and have ANY interest in TRUE Irish heritage, and history, you will love this CD.
If you just want to see Irish dancers flailing about, go see RIVERDANCE, or any of the "Other Up and comers". And when the Dust settles, it will be Michael Flatley creating that dust,
and working on ANOTHER great project.

Purchased Amore Musica when it was released in the United States in 2004. Have friends that just became aware of this tenor (who is immensely popular in the UK and abroad) so purchased the CD's to give to them. This was recorded after Russell Watson had surgery on his vocal cords and I'm happy to say, left his voice unharmed. CD contains something for everybody. Love it!

Two thumbs up from me. Just found Russel Watson in Nov. 2007. I have bought all CDs and the latest DVD in Dec. 2007. Absolutely wonderful. I play it over and over. I particularly like Magia Sara, Il Gladiatore, The Alchemist, ou'll Still Be There for Me...Actually I loved hering this beautiful voice sing all the choices. Wow, I just marvel each and every time I hear him. The Voice has a quality that cannot be matched & makes me throw rocks at all the rest...

He appears to have lost the sound and confidence of invincibility that was apparent in his previous works. The feeling that he could hit any note and nail it with attitude and aplomb is no longer there. It's a subtle loss. The album also appears to have been made by different producers, musicians, and audio technicians. The accompaniments dont have the grandeur and fullness of past albums. It also sounds like he's using a different mic/pre-amp set-up and effects unit to record his vocals in the studio. This results in a voice devoid of the typical sheen, fullness, spatiality, and "airy-ness" we grew used to hearing from him. I think it has little to do with his voice surgery since in his most recent album "That's Life", the vocal tone exhibited from his first two albums has returned.

I am a strong fan of Watson and have all of his CDs but I was somewhat disappointed in this latest one. While I still enjoyed listening to it, it seemed to me that his voice was not as strong as before--perhaps because of the surgery. I was also not as impressed with his choice of selections as on his previous CDs. I very much liked the mix of songs previously--both opera and popular. This group of songs seemed bland by comparison although they were all very pleasant. I hope his next album will be more like the earlier ones because on those he exhibited a truly powerful and beautiful voice.

Softer than his work before the surgery but every bit as enjoyable.