Ostara 1999 Newsletter Music Review Chrys King - Carolan Remembered

From the CD cover: "Born into a simple life as the son of a small subsistence farmer, Carolan was blinded by smallpox at the age of 18. A famliy friend, Mrs McDermott Roe, came to his aid and provided him with a harp, a horse, a guide and training in order to earn his living. This he did quite well, travelling to the homes of his many patrons and composing music and poetry in their honour in return for their hospitality. He rose to become the leading harper of his day and has left us with a legacy of over 200 tunes."

The introduction provides the intriguem and the music itself is hauntingly beautiful. There are tunes praising the beauty and mystery of women, the vitaility of drink and the world of the faery folk. The tunes of the CD are short, but very sweet.

Performed by Chrys King, who you may have seen performing at festivals and fairs, his talent shines through on this CD.

Highly recommended.