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Rating: If mathematics is not an opinion and therefore one plus one equals two, the same cannot be said for music. In fact, the musical sum of two "pillars" like Morrison and the Chieftains undoubtedly gives two, but squared.
When you hold an album like this in your hands, you hold a milestone of music. And these are not words thrown around just to praise an album I like, one that has given and continues to give me deep emotions, but it is the reality you perceive after listening to it, intensely listening to it.
Van, besides being one of the greatest authors of the rock era, is also one of the few authors who has sought to explore new musical and textual areas.
The album in question is nonetheless something different compared to Morrison's previous recordings: the man has already approached Celtic music, has already played with Irish groups (see Moving Hearts), but it is the first time ever, that he shares the leadership of his work with someone else. The album contains ten superb songs, two originals by The Man, namely "Irish Heartbeat" (from Inarticulate Speech of the Heart) and "Celtic Ray" (from Beautiful Vision), while the remaining eight songs are traditional: "Star of the County Down" "To Mo Chleamhnas Decanta" "Raglan Road" "She Moved Through the Fair" "I'll Tell Me Ma" "Carrickfergus" "My Lagan Love" "Marie's Wedding".
The ability to revive memories and sensations through folk melody is the extraordinary power of the work. The ballads manage to paint landscapes, and thus the atmospheres, feelings, and memories, so dear to the Irish. And if, at a young age, he had repeatedly confirmed his rejection of the traditions of his country, with the passage of age and maturity, the call of his homeland has become much stronger. The choice of the Chieftains to give sound to these musical needs was not made randomly. The Chieftains represent true Irish tradition and they, like Morrison, have never compromised artistically, remaining faithful for years to their precise musical creed.
Led by the small great Paddy Moloney, virtuoso of the bagpipes, they celebrate their 25th anniversary this year (1988). They are the longest-standing spokespersons of a music that is an authentic expression of the sounds and colors of their land. Approaching a work like this evokes a great sense of relief. Because it is proof that in a society where reference values are increasingly impoverished (see the rise of what is ephemeral, transient, superficial, without soul or depth) there is still room for certainties.
The album is played as better cannot be, Morrison does not just lend his voice to these compositions but enriches them with emotions and feelings, singing these traditional Irish tunes with amazing intensity and pathos. Listen to the album, let yourself go, let yourself be lulled by the sound waves and open up to the feelings, The Man knows the way to reach the heart.
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