Celtic Woman - A New Journey: Live at Slane Castle, Ireland Reviews

• FANTASTIC......

  
  By A2F3E5COFR0QP4 on 2006-12-06
  My DH told me to be at the T.V. at 8PM sharp last night because he had a surprise, and WOW I forgot all about the PBS special last night. The Celtic Woman were on and it was they're New Journey concert. I think that it was better than the first concert if that is even possible. All six girls were at they're finest and I really enjoyed it and the songs were great. All the girls were more relaxed around each other and Chloe's voice has greatly improved as ever, Lisa,Orla and Meav were fantastic as well. Haley the new girl fit in as well. Finally Maire'ad what can I say about her but great. Now I'm not sure if I should buy the DVD first or risk trying to find the CD at the store or pre-order that as well. AH WELL, decisions
  
  

• A very nice concert

  
  By A1ZPB7M2DLKJAL on 2006-12-08
  I haven't seen the original Celtic Woman concert. I watched this one on PBS, mainly because I wanted to see Hayley Westenra, one of my favourite singers. To my surprise, Meav is one of the regular members of the group (I have two of her older albums). So I was familiar with two of the singers already, even though I didn't realize it! All the voices blended very nicely, and the harmonies were incredible.
  
  I would give this concert 5 stars, except that one song, "Sing Out", was very off-putting. It was almost like Christian rock, and I really don't like that kind of music. The concert recovered after that, though.
  
  I would definitely like to see this show again, but on DVD so I can skip through the song that I didn't like.
  
  

• Excellent!

  
  By A37E6RW5BUX4U0 on 2007-02-02
  Slane Castle is the perfect backdrop for the second Celtic Woman concert on DVD. The castle is all lit up and the Celtic WomEn are in top form. This was the first appearance of Hayley Westenra as the newest member of CW. I have to admit when I heard she was joining the group, my first thought was "if it's not broke, why fix it?" I will tell you now, happily, I was wrong. I really enjoyed listening to her sing and thought she made a nice addition to this group of extraordinarily gifted women.
  
  The music is as wonderful as I had expected and I watched the DVD twice today. I had the opportunity to see Celtic Woman in concert this summer. There were several songs that they performed that night that I had never heard them sing. I remember thinking, I hope they are going to record these. They did.
  
  The one song I really wanted them to record was "At the Ceili" a fun little song about women going to a Ceili (party) and seeking out men. It is upbeat and impossible not to want to clap along or tap your foot. Meav, Lisa and Orla sing that song and they really look like they are having a good time doing it.
  
  Another favorite was the "Pacific Slope." Mairead is playing her fiddle, with the accompaniment of two dueling bodhran players. I love when they do that. The audience is clapping along, while Mairead is dancing around barefooted. She is quite the performer.
  
  I really expected to hate the song sing out, because other reviewers talked about how cheesy it was. I didn't hate it. It's a little chipper, but it didn't make me want to hit the skip button or anything.
  
  This is a wonderful DVD and Slane Castle is a beautiful backdrop. I only gave it 4 stars because of the repeat of songs from the previous DVD and CD. They once again performed Orinoco Flow, Danny Boy, Somewhere and You Raise Me Up. While I love those songs, I was sorry to see them appear again. The arrangement and everything remained the same. I would have preferred four new songs.
  
  
  

• Great Irish Music

  
  By A1TMAVN4CEM8U8 on 2007-05-13
  Celtic Woman - A New Journey: Live at Slane Castle (2007)
  
  I challenge you to watch /listen to this DVD without tapping your foot or nodding your head in rhythm to the music. It is just one of those things. The Celtic Women don't hurt your eyeballs to watch either.
  
  I have given their CD's to two people so far and will probably do so again. They make excellent gifts. I'd give the DVD's but the CD's are cheaper.
  
  
  
  Gunner May,2007
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Angel Voices & Irish Magic!

  
  By A1LMQ705DO82Y9 on 2006-12-11
  The music, the setting, the MAGIC! I was lucky enough to be at Slane Castle for the filming of this DVD. It was truly a magical experience. As usual, all the girls were phenomenal! The castle in the cool damp air, the lighting, the fire & smoke, the beautiful gowns, the angel voices - it was a fairy tale come true! The DVD captures that magic and takes me back to Ireland. Thank you Lisa, Orla, Chloe, Mairead, Meav & Hayley for bringing such beauty to this world! David Downes is truly the musical genius of our time!
  
  
• amazing
  By AB6VYTI8QT114 on 2006-12-30
  I am a lover of all types of music. When flipping through the channels of the TV one night I came upon the PBS airing of Celtic Woman. I was immediately captured by the celtic music and the beautiful voices of all of the women in the production. I think that the Celtic Woman show has been one of the best kept secrets in the music world. I immediately ordered four of their CD's and DVD's. The addition of Haley to the program has really improved the show in my opinion. By the time the show was over, I was in love with all of the women in the production. If you like angelic voices, unbelievable harmony, and a wonderful variety of traditional and classical songs, you will absolutely love their DVD.
  
  
• Moving, Outstanding Concert!
  By AY3FXAAUZ0CYV on 2006-12-08
  I am a lifelong musician and especially love Celtic music. It has such a magic to it, and I love the stories they tell. These lovely ladies were phenomenal singers. Beautiful spirits with totally classy presentation. I believe just about everyone knows a lot of these old classics no matter how young or old you are. The energy level was phenomenal! Although I'm a happily married man, I did fall in love with the gorgeous violinist! What a performer. As she played (incredibly well) she danced and flirted with the audience and I might add some of the guys watching really got into it! All in all, an incredible experience. I'm buying the DVD as soon as I can. Do yourself a big favor and buy it! p.s. the band was the highest excellent standard of musicianship and very lively too!
  
  
• Simply Wonderful
  By A3P0T7A02ZEC5P on 2006-12-10
  Celtic Woman. Need I say more? I just caught the new concert, and WOW. What more can I say. I loved their first CD and their new music is just as good, if not better. What wonderfuly talented young women. Their voices are amazing, single or together, their voices shine. Mairead can play the violin with such grace and ease. If you are a fan of Celtic Woman but have not heard their new music, pre-order the CD and DVD now. It is worth the waite to get.
  
  
• Second concert, second masterpiece
  By A2ZMTGH5GFMMVL on 2007-02-05
  Celtic Woman: A New Journey by [...] ~ Miami, Florida
  
  They are young, they are beautiful, full of life and full of talent: The Celtic Woman just released a second album: "A New Journey"
  
  In their first concert, they were only five girls: four vocalists and a violinist, a wonderful creature fallen from Heaven for our utmost happiness. If Paradise exists, I picture it full of angels like Máiréad Nesbitt (not necessarily 77 for each warrior...) playing harp or violin! This is a small blonde with wonderful long hair (I would swim across the Atlantic just to see that hair!) who reminds me of all the poets I have read evoking the nymphs of the woods: She hops, she jumps, she smiles, she turns like a spinning top, while mastering her fiddle like Paganini. She alone would justify the purchase of this DVD.
  
  But there is more. A fifth vocalist (Hayley Westenra) has joined the original four (Chloë Agnew, Órla Fallon, Lisa Kelly and Méav Ní Mhaolchatha). All of them are lovely, have great voices, and sing in great harmony.
  
  The concert opens with a presentation of the six girls plus David Downes, the Musical Director. This is followed by a beautiful view of Slane Castle in Ireland, where the concert is staged, under a violin melody played by angel Máiréad. All five vocalists soon join her in a beautiful song with a rich orchestration.
  
  Unlike André Rieu's concerts, where numbers are often separated by André's jokes or explanations, there is no wasted time here. The public is still applauding that the next number is already rolling. The whole concert is thus only 1h30; a plus for businessmen in a hurry... All others will be able to run it twice after dinner, as I did myself last night. A supplement shows lovely views of Ireland and Slane Castle.
  
  You will hear immortal songs like the "Orinoco Flow" (Number 5), "Scarborough Fair" (No. 8, interpreted by the newcomer: Hayley Westenra), "Over the Rainbow" (No. 10), followed by "Beyond the Sea" (11), "The Last Rose of Summer" (No. 17), "Somewhere" (the famous song from "West Side Story", No. 22) and this masterpiece called "You Raise Me Up", written by Josh Goban, which closes the show.
  
  Most numbers are richly orchestrated with plenty of drums and a choir in the background, like "Caledonia" (No. 3), "Newgrange" (No. 4), the "Orinoco Flow", "Dúlaman" (No. 6), At the Céili" (No. 12), "Sing Out" (No. 15) or "Spanish Lady" (No. 18). These few numbers alone would justify the purchase of this DVD, but I think I already said that about Máiréad...
  
  There are a few notable exceptions like "The Blessing" (No. 7), interpreted by Lisa Kelly with a discrete piano melody by David Downes, "Lascia Ch'io Pianga" (No. 13), a languorous classical melody with lots of violins in the background or "Carrickfergus" (No. 14) interpreted by Órla Fallon while she plays the harp, or "Panis Angelicus" (No. 16), interpreted by Chloë Agnew accompanied by a violoncello and soft violins, with a discrete choir jumping in later on. And let's not forget "Shenandoah" (No. 19), a violin solo by Máiréad (no jumping this time: she is grave like a grown up person) with David at the piano.
  
  Remember the famous "Over the Raimbow", created by Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz" in 1939 and wonderfully interpreted by Suzan Erens in André Rieu's "The Flying Dutchman"? Well, you will hear a new version "a cappella" by four of the girls. And, trust me, you won't miss the orchestra. They will do it again with the famous "Somewhere".
  
  When I was fifteen (many, many, many moons ago...) my professor of classical guitar in Havana used to say that the best number is always the one that closes the show. Well, this is still the case. Just like the first concert, this one ends with the same number: a masterpiece of Josh Goban titled "You Raise Me Up": "I am strong when I am on your shoulders, you raise me up to more than I can be."
  
  But, after all, didn't Oscar Wilde say it already in "The Portrait of Dorian Gray"?: "Aimer c'est se surpasser" said the French translation that I read with my students in Paris ~ To love is to transcend yourself.
  
  
  
  
• Can't stop playing my recording of the concert.
  By A3D07T3ZUI6BB5 on 2006-12-08
  When I DVR'd this show on PBS, I expected the usual PBS musical fare, heavy on education, short on entertainment. Whoa! Big surprise! These 5 women are nothing short of captivating, and the supporting cast, especially the two percussionists, obviously got carried away by the magic of the concert. I don't speak a word of Gaelic, and the songs these ladies sang in Gaelic simply knocked my socks off, especially Maev's version of Dulaman (hope I spelled it right). The concert was held at night in front of an ancient Irish castle, and for the lucky concertgoers, there was truly old Celtic magic in the air that night. See this if you can, it's an awesome experience.
  
  
• Lots of talent, great arrangements, and a rising star
  By AFYA8QAT643GH on 2007-01-04
  A slick and lively production of mostly Celtic and American music. Appearing with the four talented Irish singers, and incredible fiddle player, is a young woman from New Zealand named Hayley Westernra. IMHO, she brings the production its fifth star. Her voice is incredibly clear and hauntingly beautiful. I'm sure they'll sell more copies because of her.
  
  If you like Celtic music, and well-done standards, it's a good bet you'll enjoy this DVD.
  
  
• Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  By on 2007-01-16
  This concert was absolutely amazing! My favorite singers are Lisa and Hayley Westenra! I love Hayley! I already had two of her albums and I was so thrilled when I saw her on KOCE! Even though most people don't know what she (or any of the other Celtic Women) are saying in the Celtic language, I can tell their voices are extraordinary! "The Voice" by Lisa was amazing; I loved that too. All of them have such amazing and pure voices! (Unlike our contemporary music singers today) Maire'ad is an amazing violinist! I loved how she fiddled. She dances so light and so beautifully! No doubt they're all stunning and marvelous! I can't wait for their next concert! I want to see one! If you truly appreciate "real" singing, you have to watch or listen to any of their CDs, especially this one! Go Celtic Women!
  
  
• WOW! TONS better than the original Celtic Woman!
  By AEOBOF2ONQJWV on 2006-12-19
  I don't know what they did to change and improve this show so much, but whatever they did, it really, really, worked. The womyn were animated and the songs they sang were more to my liking than the Celtic Woman songs.
  
  This is just the opposite of Riverdance, the first edition was by far the best. This edition is so MUCH BETTER than the first one, that it's almost like watching a totally different group of womyn.
  
  Kudos to everyone who made all the improvements and keep it up! I'm probably going to buy this DVD!
  
  
• How it's Done!
  By A2SSGJCMVASNSC on 2006-12-28
  First of all I'd just like to say, that critics are really a pain in the butt. It's unbelievable how this group has been called the "New Stepford Wives", and their sound is "nausiatingly pretty." As a musician you are always taught that your proficiency must be like the instrument itself. You must become so much a part of the instrument that you can produce music as though that instrument were alive and doing it all by itself. Here you have an example of pinpoint note efficiency and all the performance points that go with singing and performing being done at the top of the game. But I guess in an America where mediocrity is king, it's not a good thing to be professional. I suppose Michael Jordan was just too good on the court. Joe Montana shouldn't have been such a winner. Celtic Woman needs to be more average and raw so the critics will like them.
  Anyone who wants to see how music is to be performed and sung needs to grab a copy of this video or the CD. There's enough mediocrity out there, haven't we had enough of it?
  
  
• Celtic Women
  By A2MHXXSKR0ZMG1 on 2007-01-19
  This CD is not available until Jan 30th 2007, but I have seen the total show on KPTV and it is one of the very best I have ever seen. It has a mix of everything you could call Celtic with an awesome rendition on the "Irish Fiddle" or violin to a mixture of beautiful songs from each of the artists. The CD's are available from each of the artists and I would recommend them also. Don't miss this one when it becomes available.
  
  
• Another little bit of heaven...
  By AL5IBRIWFYDS8 on 2007-03-02
  The original Celtic Woman concert music spent more than 80 weeks on the number 1 spot on Billboard's world music chart. There is no doubt that this album will claim that spot also. This concert filmed at legendary Slane Castle in Ireland in August 2006 is a masterpiece. David Downes has once again shown his brilliance in bringing traditional Irish and contemporary tunes together is a delightful performance that you will watch over and over again. Chloe Agnew's The Prayer is absolutely beautiful and flawless. Mairead Nesbitt's Granuaile's Dance is spirited and has the audience absorbed in the music. Mairead's energy is contagious and just adds to the fact that she is a first class fiddle player. Lisa Kelly with her captivating smile and grace are highlighted in Caledonia and The Voice. Orla Fallon's haunting rendition of Carrickfergus will stir your soul as if she is plucking the strings of your heart. Meav Ni Mhaolchatha's rendition of Dulaman and Danny Boy show her mastery of the Irish language and feeling that go into making an Irish tune alive with feelings, warmth, and soul.
  The addition of Hayley Westenra as the 6th Celtic Woman this year is certainly icing on the cake. Her rendition of Scarborough Faire is amazing. Normally I don't like it when people do this song, but Hayley sings it with such passion that you will be speechless.
  The truth is, there are 6 beautiful Irish ladies with extraordinary voices and abilities, 12 exceptional background vocalists, an orchestra of the highest class of musicians, and one brilliant and talented composer/conductor all assembled for a night of exceptional tunes that you will be humming and singing for days after. You will feel as though you are right there as part of the audience at Slane Castle when you watch this video. Buy this DVD and prepare to be amazed by beauty, grace and music that can only be described as "a little bit of heaven."
  
  
  
• george harlan-- daytona beach, fl.
  By A32D5A9F85HAGY on 2007-01-06
  
  I first saw hayley on PBS TV BROADCAST in celtic woman live at slane castle,ireland in dec.2006 This young lady is going to break a lot of heart's as she get's older.When she start's to sing the last rose of summer an the light's are behind her she look's like an angel. I have cd's an
  dvd on order right now. can't wait till they get here ....THIS LADY IS FANTASTIC....
  
  
• Beautiful, Powerful DVD
  By A3ECIJXG1TPV6Z on 2007-01-17
  Breath taking Talent.Chilling. The sound was unbelievable.Well I am not one to really sit and watch a concert to the finish ,but this really blew me away.When Chloe sang Walking in the Air, I knew I was hooked. I then knew what I wanted for christmas.My husband could not find A new Journey Live at Slane Castle, Ireland but found me the DVD Celtic Women which I absolutely love,but now they have the DVD (A New Journey)Live Which I have ordered and can't wait to get.I know it will be played a lot.
  
  
• Heavenly!
  By AAUAOPPH3PBB2 on 2007-02-07
  This second offering from creator David Downes provides for another beautiful and ethereal celtic experience. The shear grandeur of Slane Castle, Ireland as a background for the lovely ladies of Celtic Woman provides for an exciting display of sight and sound. Newcomer Hayley Westenra affords a fresh face and sonancy complementing Chloe, Orla, Meav, and my personal favorite Lisa Kelly. Though not present, I also count once part timer Dierdre Shannon as she subbed for Meav in the live performance I was fortunate to see in 2005.
  
  Now, several people have metioned that in this performance like Celtic Woman v.1, the girls lip synced all the songs. I noticed towards the end of this DVD it seemed more apparent than ever. Logistics in mind, this is NOT an unusual tactic with such a large scale interpretation involving so many singers and musicians. Same goes in the making of a movie musical where all singing is lip synced.
  
  So relax, overlook whatever flaws, if any, you find and just enjoy the Celtic Woman experience!
  
  
• An excellent show, but run time must be longer.
  By ARXDDR76Z5Q2I on 2006-12-10
  I just saw this show on PBS and it's wonderful. Such beautiful music and performances. Highly recommended. I would say tho that the run time listed for the performance must be a mistake as the PBS airing, which excludes some tracks found on the dvd, is exactly the same run time as the dvd, so the dvd must be closer to 90 minutes. Just a point of information.
  
  
• Wow. Simply Wow
  By A2YSA4FI8AEF5L on 2006-12-20
  I was very intrigued by the first DVD concert of Celtic Woman. But with second's debut on December 3rd, 2006, all I can say is WOW!!! I have to say that the concert is pratically all I watch now. It is so relaxing when I am doing my homework; it makes it easier to concentrate. Everyone should juts listen and see just how amazing this outstanding group of woman are!! They need to get a real taste for themselves!!
  
  Tyler McCubbin-Gowrie, Iowa
  
  
• Celtic Women
  By A1X6HAB4PZ267M on 2007-01-03
  I saw this when it was on PBS, It was riviting, beautiful performance. These Celtic Women programs are well worth your time.
  
  
• Celtic Angels
  By A3JN2J113RYTNW on 2006-12-12
  This program has been running on all three PBS station in the San Francisco Bay area for the last week. This is the only program that I have ever watched over a couple of times. I have seen every presentation. The count must be about twelve. Every one of these young women has a beautiful voice and all are very beautiful women. I can't wait until this dvd is commercially available. Most of my music collection is Celtic music. I have over 90 celtic cd's. This will certainly will be one of my favorites.
  
  
  
• Great Concert
  By A1BLETTL35RR3E on 2007-02-06
  Only disappointment is that they have not included the option of English subtitles for the words of some songs that are difficult to hear. I believe this would have added significantly to the enjoyment of the concert. Overall, however, a great follow-up to "River Dance."
  
  
• perfect pitch
  By A3QHCI5F0GBAWE on 2007-01-30
  These women are amazing in that they have the ability to always hit the
  pitch of the note correctly without sliding up into it as is common.
  The voices are beautiful and the orchestrations are excellent also.
  Very pleased with this DVD.
  
  
• Order Both DVDs, More than Worth the Price!
  By A2SFLE0BFFZ13U on 2006-12-15
  St. Louis Broadcast the new PBS show first and has the girls in concert here again in April 07. I saw them in concert live here both times and will see them again. Don't miss them live because the show always adds more each time. Get both DVDs since the concerts and songs are quite different. Unfortunately you have to buy the Chloe Agnew DVD at the concert so far, but all the CDs of the girls are on amazon. I have the Hayley Westenra DVD as well, which I advise getting after Celtic Woman rather than before since that concert is quite different in sound.
  
  
• Celtic Woman in Tampa on Valentines Day
  By AN90MRRHN6R21 on 2007-02-02
  I would give this 10 stars,if I could. I had pre-ordered & arrived in todays mail. Just watched & it is AMAZING!!! Their voices are beautiful.....favorites are Lisa,Chloe & Hayley. The last song, "You Raise Me Up" brought tears to my eyes. First time I saw Celtic Woman was on a PBS special in '05. They are touring the USA again. My boyfriend got tickets for their Tampa concert. We are really looking forward to a wonderful evening.
  
  
• AMAZING!
  By ALSR50AUGA3QE on 2007-02-02
  Pure class and beautiful music (and women). Feeds my distant Scot-Irish roots. Love it. Will watch many times in the future.
  
  
• Picks up where the last one left off
  By A39CYQVU20TZ1E on 2007-02-03
  Celtic Woman opened my eyes to Celtic music. This DVD picks up where the other one left off.
  Orla does a wonderful version of Cerricfergus, which is also on her first solo effort. Cerrickfergus reminds me of The water is wide, which also appears on her first solo CD.
  Orla plays the harp very well and to me has the best Celtic accent of the bunch.
  Meav does a version of Dulaman, which to me is possibly the finest song on the DVD/CD. Dulaman reminds me of Si Do Mhaimeo i. Meav also does the Last Rose of Summer with Chloe. This song is subpeb. Meav is well known throughout the Celtic world and it's no wonder why.
  Meav's voice is in top form. When Meav sings she seems to flirt with the audience in a very playful manner.
  Lisa does Caledonia and The Voice which are also outstanding performances and are well worth the listen. My Blessing is another song that she does and it is nothing short of superb. Lisa remains my favorite vocalist of the bunch.
  Mairead to me again steals the show. She does a poignant version of Shendoah and then leads into a very lively version of Pacific Slope. She also does a wonderful version of Garnuaile's Dance. Mairead like the first concert is a ball of fire and a delight to watch. Mairead has to be seen to be believed. She is a show within a show.
  The biggest problem with me is the additon of Hayley Westenra. Hayley who does have a nice voice, in my opinion adds very little to the group. My biggest problem is her version of Scarborough Fair. Scarbrough Fair of course is a traditional song. The original version had around ten versus.
  Hayley only sings the same three verses that Simon and Garfunkel used on their version, infact she only does two of the verses. For me this is a real disappointment. I was hoping for a more traditional arrangement, instead of a remake of a popular song.
  Another problem for me is the version of Somewhere over the Rainbow.
  Even though the song is sung in A capella and has good harmony, it seems out of place to me. At this point the concert loses its Celtic charm and becomes Hollywood for one song. There are also remakes of songs from the previoius Celtic Woman CD such as Orrinoco Flow and Your Raise me Up. As much as I like the songs I really dont think they need to be repeated on this performance. I know they are very popular and were sung on the performance. These young women are possibly the most talented singers in the world. It at least would be very hard to argue that.
  This overall is an outstanding performance. It is at least as good, if not better than the first. At a time when great music is very hard to find, this is a real gem. Sit back take a deep breath and relax.
  
  
• Victims of their own success
  By AAJ8BRS3TY650 on 2007-02-18
  I must say that I was very disappointed with this DVD; perhaps the young ladies had reached such heights with their original DVD and show Celtic Woman, they could only fall to the earth. I have viewed the original DVD so many times the DVD actually skips.
  After absolutely enjoying the concert when they visited the D.C. area and wearing out the original DVD, I assumed this was the reason they had chosen to includ Hayley Westenera. I am an admirer of her work as well her piece de resistance being Pure; so I received this DVD with great anticipation.
  What a disappointment; so disappointed that I have viewed this DVD only once. The performances were hollow, contrived and uninspired in stark contrast to the original DVD. The muzzle that was placed upon Hayley Westenra was puzzling. I'm very happy that I bought this product at a reduced price on Amazon; had I paid full price I would have been pi..ed.
  I will rent their next production before purchasing.
  
  

• Celtic Woman
• A New Journey
• A Christmas Celebration
• A New Journey (Deluxe Package w/bonus tracks + Irish charm)
• Celtic Thunder: The Show