Product Description

The twelve bells of Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin are the inspiration for this CD. The bells are rung twice every Sunday, and on special occasions such as the inauguration of the president, or ringing in the New Year. Essentially a Christmas album, this 1991 release features performances by an extraordinary cast of guest musicians sitting in with The Chieftains.
Highlights include "The Wren in The Furze", composed and sung by The Chieftains' own Kevin Conneff, and Elvis Costello's passionate vocal on "The St. Stephen's Day Murders". However, the most moving song on THE BELLS OF DUBLIN is Rickie Lee Jones's version of "O Holy Night". Her low, restrained singing style is entrancing, even sultry. At the song's climax, the sudden conviction of her voice is startling.All the instrumental work on this CD is top-notch, validating traditional Irish music, and making it accessible to modern ears.

Track Listing

1. Bells Of Dublin
2. Past Three O'clock
3. St Stephen's Day Murders
4. Il Est Ne/Ca Berger
5. Don Oiche Ud I MBeithill
6. I Saw Three Ships A Sailing
7. Breton Carol
8. Carol's Medley
9. Wexford Carol
10. Rebel Jesus
11. Skyline Jig
12. Medley/The Wren The Wren

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8655 in Music
• Released on: 2002-04-21
• Number of discs: 1

From Amazon.com
Ireland's world-class ambassadors the Chieftains seem determined to play with anyone who is anyone, regardless of genre. On The Bells of Dublin, they do an exceptional job of teaming up with the likes of rockers Jackson Browne and Elvis Costello, as well as songbirds Marianne Faithfull, Rickie Lee Jones, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, and Nanci Griffith. There are many resplendent performances here, the least of which is Costello and company's raucous "St. Stephen's Day Murders." Like a banquet of traditional Irish fare with some updating to accommodate individual guests, Bells is the kind of holiday record you don't want to end. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews

Excellent!
This excellent CD contains twenty-three (!) tunes by the incomparable Chieftains. Most of these wonderful tunes are the Chieftains working with others, such as the Renaissance Singers and even Elvis Costello (St. Stephen's Day Murders has to be heard to be believed). The tunes themselves uphold the Chieftains tradition of excellence, and make an excellent addition to anyone's Christmas music collection. As a matter of fact, I have to say that this CD is so excellent that it is worth listening to at any time of the year. My family and I highly recommend this CD to you.