Search - Solas - Live on DVD

Irish Energy

Raymond Doherty | USA | 06/01/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is a recording of a live concert by Solas, truly one of the most accomplished of the traditional Irish instrumental bands. Energetic reels and jigs are interspersed with tender ballads. Karan Casey's plaintive, heartfelt vocals are a wonderful counterpoint to the viruosity of the rest of the band. I attended this concert, and would highly recommend the DVD/VHS for aficianados of traditional Irish music. Solas is simply great!"

The Best

Alan Muir McGregor | Clydebank, Dunbartonshire United Kingdom | 09/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is what a music DVD is all about -no fancy lighting, no pyrotechnics -just great musicianship.This is Solas at their peak -from the vocals of departed member Karen Casey to the fantastic guitar playing of John Doyle (now left to pursue other avenues)it is a tour de force in Irish/American music.I don't know how the new line-up will compare -but buy this DVD now and see and hear how a group at it's best sound."

A Real Tribute to the Old Solas Crew

Michael | Placerville, CA USA | 01/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Do you remember when the cutting edge of Irish Music was the Bothy Band, then the Chieftains, then Altan, then Solas? I do. When no one else was ready to jump into fast and furious reelin' of the reels, there was Solas. I remember when the old world attitude had its nose stuck up against the Newry Highwayman, as the story is about a poor lad "a-robbin'along the King's highway" on the border to Northern Ireland. Perish the thought he could have been a Protestant Brit. Or how about a "wind amongst the barley" promoting Protestant and Catholic late 1700's collaboration in rebellion against England? The only thing Seamus Eagan can't play is all of his instruments ( flute, tenor banjo, octave mandolin) at the same time. He has been for decades and still is a major force within Celtic Music. If you are only playing guitar, hope that you play it like John Doyle. John is among the very best back up, lead and counterpoint guitar players in Traditional Irish Music. If you are only playing fiddle, hope you can play it like Winifred Horan, an all-Ireland Champion. Then you hear the joke about the Irishman who had a hip replacement and had the bone saved for his dog. Times have changed since the lovely Karen Casey has moved on with her own career. The remaining group has had to find itself again. The group has been the main support for Liz Carroll's acclaimed
album "Lost in the Loop" and award winning "Lake Effect." I sincerely hope this continues, as these are excellent albums. I especially like John Doyle and Liz Carroll's collaboration between guitar and fiddle. No matter what the future holds, there is no better tribute to an era of fine Celtic music that can be offered than this DVD of a live performance before long time New England fans. No gimmicks, special effects or lighting. Just the old crew (with the exception of John Shortridge on accordian)up close and personal with both interviews and music. Solas has been a pioneer with the music, and it is fitting that they are among the first to move the music into the DVD format."

No frills production and great music

SWboy | hometown USA | 09/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best DVD of Irish music I've seen.
It stays close to a traditional sound, beautifully played
and is creative without heading towards MTV or Broadway
territory. Can't agree with the reviewer below:
that Solas needs to "expand it's size, play more instruments
and concentrate on it's personality" [Check out the Chieftains
and Leahy on "Gael Force" DVD for that. Most of the rest
of "Gael Force" is not so great, if you like your music
oriented to tradition.] Solas' smaller size allows you to hear
the interaction of instruments better and there is no pandering
to the audience ie. no cheap effects to build up excitement.
"