Frank Harte and Donal Lunny

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 11:53 PM

Thank you, Mariner, for alerting us to this, and to jeffp for providing the link. I just ordered it. Coincidentally, I heard some cuts from this only two days ago while riding in a car with someone who just got the CD himself, and was playing it for me and Radriano. I forgot to ask him for contact info, and then I find this thread. Amazing, this Mudcat place!

-chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 10:43 PM

A too-often-ignored Harte/Lunny CD was "1798-The First Year of Freedom". Fine selection, well-accompanied, brilliantly sung. What you'd expect from them. Available from CAMSCO.

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: GUEST,Geordie
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 06:24 PM

One of the best collections of songs and notes on a theme that I have come across in a long time.

As a singer I could not have asked for a better collection of songs,and I have no doubt that many of them will be will be taken up and widely sung in a very short time by those who like to sing the big songs.

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: GUEST,Mac Tattie
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 02:37 PM

I feel the reviewer of this CD at Musical Traditions forgot that they were supposed to be reviewing a themed colection of songs and not some examination paper for Doctorate of Napoleonic Studdies. This an excelant CD full of great songs and great singing (hopefully many of those who think of themselves as singers get an earfull of this and take notes)and while the sleve notes may not live up to accademian standards(and they don't claim to be written in stone)they are a good read and were plenty good enough for me.

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 05:09 AM

Joe was due to leave Ireland yesterday (Thursday)

Donal Lunny's accompaniments are quite sparse and atmospheric. He's the only accompanist Frank will allow within the ten mile exclusion zone!

The Musical Traditions article is well-argued, in general, but has little to say about the singing itself.

Regards

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: GUEST,Desert Dancer
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 03:08 AM

There's a lenghty review at Musical Traditions (of course all the reviews there are lengthy). To save time I'll say that the reviewer found lots to criticize in the historical notes and choice of songs (whether they all really qualified as being Bonaparte-related), although he thought the music was fine as it stood. Written, as he said, in response to the many reviews praising the notes as a valuable history lesson.

Myself, I can't claim any knowledge one way or the other, but put this out for those who might like to pursue it further...

- Becky in Tucson (with modem troubles and a new computer on the way -- hope I did the clicky right since I'm away from my desk with the handy yellow sticky that tells me how to do it...)

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: jeffp
Date: 16 Aug 01 - 04:01 PM

There is some use of synthesizer, but it's pretty minimalist, from what I've heard. The synth is fairly much a drone, suggesting pipes. I don't think Frank would have gone along with anything realy New Age-y.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: Wesley S
Date: 16 Aug 01 - 03:56 PM

What are the backing tracks like ?? I know that Donal Lunny likes to use a lot of keyboards, drums and such ala Coolfin. Or is it more traditional sounding ?? I'm going through one of my anti-electric phases right now. Thanks

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: paddymac
Date: 16 Aug 01 - 12:53 PM

Frank and Donal are both rare talents, and by all accounts, marvelous persons. Thanks and kudos to them both.

Subject: Joe, Frank and Martin
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 16 Aug 01 - 11:00 AM

How long is Joe in Ireland? Im busking in Brittany and will be home next week!

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 16 Aug 01 - 10:27 AM

One Joe Offer and I had a pint and a song with Frank two nights ago, in Dublin!

Regards

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: GUEST,dick greenhaus
Date: 16 Aug 01 - 01:43 AM

CAMSCO carries it.

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: jeffp
Date: 15 Aug 01 - 03:54 PM

It's also available from Ossian USA. I've heard several cuts from this and I really like it. Interestingly, the backing instruments were recorded after Frank laid down the vocal tracks. After they "negotiated" a key, Frank would sing the song with Donal merely supplying an occasional chord to keep him on track. Later, Donal would do the instrumental tracks.

As always with one of Frank's CDs, the book is incredibly informative. Check it out; you won't be disappointed.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Aug 01 - 03:44 PM

Mariner,

Why not just order through Claddagh Records in Dublin?

Subject: Frank Harte and Donal Lunny
From: MARINER
Date: 15 Aug 01 - 03:40 PM

Just thought I'd let you all know of the new album (2cd)of Frank Harte and Donal Lunny.It's called "My Name Is Napoleon Bonaparte" and features 26 songs about the bould Bonie. For anyone who hasn't heard Frank Harte its a great introduction to his voice and style. Its on Hummingbird Records who can be found at 35 Harcourt St.Dublin, 2. or email, [e-mail]. I don't know who handles distribution abroad but hope they are more efficient than the Irish outfit,who took almost 3 weeks to deliver it, on order, to my local record store, a whole 85 miles from Dublin