CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

Clannad had been mostly inactive since their then-last studio album Landmarks (1998), when they were asked to perform at Dublin's historic Christ Church Cathedral in 2011. The public response was so enthusiastic that the event turned into three consecutive nights. More live activity followed, and eventually the band -- with Pól Brennan back to the line-up -- also made a new studio album, Nádúr (2013), which however remains their last one today.

The nearly full CD-length set containing 19 tracks has a strong emphasis on the early traditional folk era. I'm not very familiar with it in general, since I found Clannad during their modernly produced pop years and have never really dug deeper into their earliest albums apart from what I've heard on their compilations. That's why I'm not going to deal with things like from which albums they chose the material for this concert. By listening to the CD I can only say the set is pleasant and feels just right for the venue. Most songs are marked as "trad., arr. Clannad". A pity the leaflet doesn't tell what instruments the band members themselves play (harp, acoustic guitar, mandolin, flute, tin whistle, percussion, bass, I suppose). Guest musicians play violin, viola, cello, percussion and keyboards. But it's the marvelous use of harmony vocals what I think is the essence of the band's unique sound, especially when talking of the traditional tunes in Gaelic.

In the midway of the set there are several well known pieces from their more popular era featuring more synth on the background, starting with the mysteriously atmospheric 'Newgrange'. After two delicious trad. tunes they play a six- minute, four-part medley 'Robin of Sherwood' from the early 80's TV series closely associated with Clannad's original music for it. This is a nice gesture instead of performing just the famous theme song 'Robin (The Hooded Man)'. Occasionally the medley reminds me of the folk prog à la Jethro Tull. 'Caislean Óir' is the delicate opening track of Macalla (1985), followed by 'In a Lifetime' from the same album. It was originally a duet with Bono (of U2), and here his place is taken by Brian Kennedy. Agreeing with the previous reviewer, I don't think he fully succeeds in replacing Bono's superb vocals. 'I Will Find You' was a love song on the film The Last of the Mohicans -- also included on Clannad's studio album Banba (1994) -- , and 'Theme from Harry's Game' is undoubtedly THE best remembered, career-turning, popularity-launching song which truly deserves a place here.

This live album with an excellent sound quality and acoustics can be recommended to both longtime fans of the band and newcomers interested in Celtic music, of which genre Clannad is a major legend.