February 15, 2011
By Staff Reporter
CELTIC FIREDennis McNeil
After a decade as a leading opera tenor, Dennis McNeil returns to his ancestral roots with this live recording of traditional Irish tunes. Playing with his ensemble, McNeil explores traditional tenor music blending folk, classical and contemporary. Also with two original songs. On DMI Productions, PO Box 3882 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Call (310) 322-9200 or hit on website: www.DennisMcNeil.com
REBELS: The Gold Sun of Freedom,1798 in Song and StoryDanny Doyle
Danny Doyle, with three decades of music behind him, takes on the year 1798, a seminal year in Irish folk memory. This disc is no mere collection of songs. Instead it is Doyle becoming the seanachie, the Irish balladeer-turned-storyteller. Here the tale of 1798 is woven through song, story and poetry. Danny Doyle, PO Box 1091, Manassas, VA 20108-1091. Call (703) 361-8884. Website: www.clark.net/pub/linehan/irish/ddoyle.html
DICTIONARY OF CELTIC MYTHOLOGYJames MacKillop
MacKillop, president of the American Conference for Irish Studies and professor of English at Onondaga Community College, offers an exhaustive study of the intriguing Celtic mythology. He covers the characters, themes, concepts, creatures and places in more 4,000 entries. Includes a pronunciation guide for the major Celtic languages, and a cross reference with other classical mythologies, such as Norse traditions. Oxford University Press. $45. (212) 726-6108.
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RACHEL LeMOYNEEileen Charbonneau
Set in the time of the Famine, Rachel LeMoyne tells the story of the title character, a young mixed race Choctaw woman bought up by missionaries. Rachel helps to deliver corn to Ireland but is soon embroiled in the political turmoil of the time. The novel follows Rachel in her dealings with the British and her encounter with Dare, an Irishman with whom she flees to America. Forge Books. $22.95.