| Sons of Somerled, Steve McDonald's first U.S. release, continues to be a top selling celtic favorite.
"Steve's voice is almost a male version of Enya, perfectly complementing the wistful allusions to Scotland the brave. Sons of Somerled, in its ode to the past, is a journey back in time when Earth was truly our Mother, and a sense of the mystical was keenly felt.
Arrangements on this album are nothing short of spectacular, drawing you into an enthusiasm and excitement the composer obviously has for his heritage. Tracks such as 'Come To the Isle of Skye' and Steve's interpretation of the standard, 'Loch Lomond' exhibit a quiet majesty. While others, as in 'The Celtic Warrior' and 'I Will Return' are full blown anthems.
Sons of Somerled is a concept album which encourages flights of fancy and yearnings within. Though Scottish in content, the themes of freedom and courage cross all cultural boundaries." [- Ambience]
"Quite simply, this is Celtic music on an epic scale. The evocative music transcends the specificity of cultural traditions even as it pays homage to the deep and mystical roots of Scotland. McDonald's 'Loch Lomond' is immediate and visceral, breathing new life into a time honored love ballad. I had the great pleasure of listening to his CD with three generations of Scottish Americans. For the young, McDonald's music provided an awakening, an access code to a proud heritage; for the elders, it was an honoring and passing of the cultural torch, music that speaks to the future as it conjures the spirits of the past. There is an amazing revival of interest in Scotland as a spiritual stronghold, a place of ancient ritual and indomitable spirit; McDonald's auspicious new work should be the theme music for this revival." - NAPRA Review |
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