Máire

by Backroads Music/HeartbeatsThis is the debut solo effort from Maire Brennan, lead singer of the Irish group Clannad. She explores musical styles from worldbeat to the flowing vocal and keyboard style of her younger sister, Enya. The album begins with "Ce Leis," a sad, haunting tune written by Maire to Celtic harp and soft keyboard accompaniment. We then take a 180-degree swing into "Against the Wind," with African-style rhythms and wild bouzouki. "Oro" is a mother's loving song of hope, sung in Gaelic. "Land of Youth" is based on a tale from Irish mythology, where Oisin, son of Finn MacCumhail is lured to the land of eternal youth and love by the enchantingly beautiful Niamh. An album with diverse influences, Maire uncovers new dimensions with each listening.