Title: Celtic Connection
Artist: Smith, Ian
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 5099386358800
Genre: Folk
'Not quite the end of the year, but I'm content recommending 'A Celtic Connection' as my album of 2011.' - Irish Music Magazine 'I've known Ian - both as a friend and a great musician - for a long time and have tremendous respect for him as a songwriter and singer. His new album, 'A Celtic Connection' really brings out the Donegal influence in his writing and perfomance. He embraces the nature of the place with passion. I celebrate his achievement and hope that as many people as possible will also experience it.' - Moya Brennan (Clannad) 3 years in the making this eagerly awaited album features no less than 9 original songs among the 12 tracks. With 5 of the songs having definite Donegal stories to them along with a few Scottish themed songs, it has a real "Celtic Connection" and feel to it. Featuring an amazing array of some of the finest musicians/singers from the world of Celtic/Folk/Trad, it should find it's way into most peoples CD collections. Recorded at Manus Lunny's "Studio Na Mara" in Braade in West Donegal. Ian has been described by Tony Arata, Who wrote "The Dance " for Garth Brooks as a "True Poet" and has also written with some of the finest songwriters in Nashville/New York and Austin Texas on his regular trips to the US, But for this CD he has concentrated on His "Roots" - Credits - Produced By Manus Lunny Arranged By Manus Lunny and Ian Smith Recorded, Mixed and Engineered By Manus Lunny at Studio Na Mara, Braade, Co Donegal. Mastered By Paul McGheehan, Waterside Productions, Glasgow. Art Work, Edain O'Donnell. - The Musicians - Ian Smith, Vocals, Guitars, Backing Vocals. Manus Lunny, Backing Vocals, Bouzouki, Guitar, Bass Bouzouki, Bodhran, Programming. Donald Shaw, Piano, Fender Rhodes, Keys, Accordion, Harmonium. Ewen Vernal, Double Bass. Martin Crossin, Uillean Pipes, Low Whistles, Whistles. Nina Solo, Fiddle/Violin, Track 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 Seamus McGuire, Violin, Track 2 Viola, Track 8 Tom Byrne, Harmonica, Track 4, 10. Karen Matheson, Vocals Track 1, 2, 8. Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh, Vocals Track 7. Jacqui Sharkey, Vocals Track 5,10. - Thanks! - To all the amazing musicians and singers who played/sang on this CD. Their awesome talents have raised my game a few notches, and the view from up here is pretty cool. To Rabbie Burns, [The Consummate Songwriter], to my co/writers, Enda Cullen and Tony Kerr. To Tionscnamh Lugh, Michéal Ó Fearraigh, Gerry Smullen, Jim McMillan, Rab Thompson, Jack Kennedy, and Vincent Kennedy. Go raibh mile maith agat! A special thanks to the quiet, unassuming genius that is Manus Lunny. As always to Breda, Daniel and Matthew for letting me get to do this sort of thing everyday. "Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value", [Albert Einstein] This Album is dedicated to the memory of Frances Dockerty, RIP. "I spent the first half of my life in Ayrshire, Scotland, and the second half of my life [so far] in Co Donegal. The influence and significance of both have played a major part in making me who I am and what I do. The music and songs on this album are due in part to those influences and is my "Celtic Connection". I hope it resonates with you." - Ian Smith.
Tracks:
1.1 Upon Culloden's Moor
1.2 Ae Fond Kiss
1.3 Pablo's Eyes
1.4 Brightest Sky Blue
1.5 Griananns Hill
1.6 Bas in Eireann
1.7 Far Beyond Carrickfinn
1.8 The Lea Rig
1.9 On Keadue Strand
1.10 In Philadelphia's Arms
1.11 Emerald
1.12 Will Ye Gang Love
