Review of Gael Force

Introduction

A meeting of the best of Irish and Celtic music, filmed in 1997 at Dublin`s Point Theatre.

This DVD includes a whole array of talent from Ireland and from around the globe. Some of these will be more familiar than others.

Running to approximately 100 minutes it has a whopping 24 tracks and covers a range or reels, gigs, traditional ballads and also some more recent tracks. Included here is a version of "In a lifetime" made famous by the duet between Bono and Maire Brennan with Clannad. This time she shares stage with Brian Kennedy in an acceptable reworking of this hit song. Brian Kennedy is apparently Ireland`s No 1 singer songwriter and very nice he is too.

Other notable performances include Leahy. These guys are nine brothers and sisters who cook up a fine storm on the strings and follow it with an amazing display of Irish dancing. Made me quite breathless trying to keep up I can tell you.

Other artists included here are Christy Moore and Sinead O`Connor.

Video

This is a good picture with little sign of any aging. It is filmed within a concert setting but the director has resisted the urge to play with his camera too much. We get a straightforward view of the concert highlights.

Audio

Billed as 5.1 sound; it has some depth when played with that option.
Chat is kept to a minimum with a brief introduction by Emmy Lou Harris and a scant view words from the other artists. The music is left to speak for itself and is all the better for it.

Features

Song selection is available.
The cover notes were helpful to a novice like me and possibly you dear viewer.

Conclusion

Foot-tappingly good in places there are many high points to this DVD. It`s a real feel-good night in with a few raucous reels counter-pointed by the deeply felt Irish ballad that will have you softly weeping into your Stout. The only let down is that strictly this music should be heard live and with a large amount of alcohol imbibed, giving one sufficient courage to join in with the chorus.

I had only heard of a few of these artists before but it certainly gave me a new perspective on the music. An enjoyable way to spend an evening.

You will probably already be a fan if you buy this but it`s worth a punt to extend your musical knowledge.