Review of Cherish The Ladies : On Christmas Night
Irish music is particularly rich in songs relating to the celebration of Christmas. Cherish The Ladies, an all-female band made up of Irish-born and first generation Irish-American performers, has mined the purest gold for this delightful set. The 10 tracks are given sensitive yet robust acoustic treatments by a consort of top-notch players. Bandleader Joanie Madden's mastery of tin whistle, low whistle and flute has taken her all over the globe and onto dozens of albums. Lead singer Heidi Talbot's husky-sweet tone is further graced by refreshingly uncluttered phrasing. Mary Coogan's intricate plucked strings, Mirella Murray's lively yet mellow squeezebox, Donna Long's Cape-Breton-inflected piano and Marie Reilly¹s propulsive fiddle are all remarkable but each nonetheless meshes into a tightly arranged, flawless whole. The program evokes nostalgia for joyous childhood holidays long past but also reflects the wistful prayer for peace that a modern celebrant might offer up in difficult times. --Christina Roden

Users's Reviews - Cherish The Ladies : Christina Roden, Amazon Reviewer
great record - well done Joanie and the group - however not very impressed by the review above. No - there are very few Irish Christmas pieces in existence - I can think of about 3 in Irish and the Kilmore Carols - thats it. I'm surprised at Amazon as I assumed that some degree of knowledge was essential in order to review a CD: NONE of the tracks listed on the track listing above are Irish...well done!

Your latest reviews - Cherish The Ladies : A few too many guest singers
I think there should have been more focus on the band, rather than guest performers. In general, I didn't like the guest singing performances, despite how famous the guys may be. The instrumental tracks are stellar, with all-star guests such as Liam O'Flynn and Matt Molloy. "Broom of the Cowdenknowes" is my favorite track. Great song, great vocals. "Erin Grá Mo Chroí" is a beautiful song very well-sung (the Dervish version on Midsummer's Night is also highly recommended). "Queen of Connemara" and "Jolly Beggarman" are other good songs. I didn't really like the arrangement of "An Poc Ar Buile", although it is still a good song. The other songs just didn't do it for me. But still definitely worth buying for any trad fan.