Once again, Cherish the Ladies has come out with a beautiful and incredibly well-made album. They are one of the most consistent Celtic groups on that front: each album they've made is equally as satisfying as the last. Beautiful harmonies, fiery fiddling and rock-solid rhythm make these ladies stand out among the crowd.

This is a perfect gift for fans of Celtic or Folk music, or women's music in general. Slainte!

Rounder Records presents Cherish the Ladies and their 10th album beginning in 1992 with the latest release "Woman of the House", featuring Joanie Madden (flute/alto flute/low&high whistles/harmony vocals), Mary Coogan (guitars/mandolin/banjo/banjitar/octave mandolin), Heidi Talbot (vocals), Roisin Dillon (fiddle), Mirella Murray (accordion)...with their special guest Sharon Shannon (accordion), Liz Kane (fiddle), Kate Rusby (vocals), Eddi Reader (vocals), Karen Matheson (vocals), Donna Long (piano/harmony vocals), Phil Cunningham (piano/keyboards), Laoise Kelly (harp), Triona Ni Dhomhnaill (piano), John Joe Kelly (bodhran), Phil Bowler (upright bass/bowed bass), James MacIntosh (drums/percussion), Ewan Vernal (bass on "Betsy Belle"), Donald Shaw (Wurlitzer on "Betsy Belle").

One can only soak up the Celtic vibes that spew the air of magical enchantment with this lineup of tunes and artists...all the selections traditional arranged by Cherish the Ladies..."BETSY BELLE AND MARY GRAY"..."CAROLAN'S FAVORITE JIG/THE RAKES OF CASHEL/HIGHLAND MARCH IN OSCAR & MALVINA"..."THE FAIRY QUEEN/THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH/PADDY KELLY'S/WOMAN OF THE HOUSE"..."THE GREEN FIELDS OF CANADA"..."THE OLD MAIDS OF GALWAY/THE SUNNY BANKS/THE FLOODED ROAD TO GLENTIES/FREE & EASY"..."FAIR AND TENDER LADIES"..."PADDY O'SNAP/ROBIN KELLEGHER/THE COVE OF CORK".

Some of the highlights are "THE JOLLY SEVEN/THE RASCAL ON THE HAYSTACK/BONKERS IN YONKERS" (composed by Joanie Madden)..."THE HILLS OF NEW ZELAND" (composed by Joanie Madden)..."FAIR AND TENDER LADIES" (arranged by Cherish the Ladies and Phil Cunningham)..."SWEET THAMES FLOW SOFTLY" (words & music by Ewan Maccoll)...all in all this is the exploration of five ladies digging deep into their roots and musical heritage of Ireland and this land of ours America.

Want to thank Phil Cunningham (producer) and Rounder Records for this wonderful release...if you ever wanted to sample the Celtic genre of music...this is the one to pick up...these musicians and performers are without a doubt the most popular Irish group right now on the planet...Cherish the Ladies!

Total Time: 52:00 on 11 Tracks ~ Rounder Records 617063 ~ (9/27/2005)

Playing Time - 52:13 -- New to the Rounder Records label, Cherish the Ladies have a well-produced and highly-arranged selection of songs on "Woman of the House." The five women in the band also enlist the support of 14 artists in various guest instrumental and vocal capacities. Thus, the project creates many moods, and we listeners are richly rewarded. Cherish the Ladies is Joanie Madden (flute, whistles, harmony vocals), Heidi Talbot (lead vocals, bodhran), Mary Coogan (guitar, banjo, mandolin), Mirella Murray (accordion) and Roisin Dillon (fiddle). To accompany the splendid music, a 16-page CD booklet includes photos, lyrics and background notes about the songs.

Cherish the Ladies has been together for over twenty years, and their traditional Celtic music has built them a legion of fans. Their albums have been tightly crafted, with haunting vocals and striking instrumental accomplishment. The newest band member, Heidi Talbot has a magnetic voice that adds much to Cherish the Ladies' signature sound. Haunting contemporary Celtic accompaniment and vocal harmonies are another. Besides sung by Joanie Madden, the noteworthy harmonies are courtesy of Kate Rusby, Eddi Reader, Donna Long and Karen Matheson (of Capercaillie). Heidi, Karen and Eddi share the vocal spotlight on the oft-sung "Fair and Tender Ladies." Other key contributors are producer Phil Cunningham (piano, keys), Triona Ni Dhomhnaill (piano) and Donald Shaw (Wurlitzer organ).

With one foot firmly planted in tradition, this band also keeps one headed in the direction of the future. These innovative and forward thinkers demonstrate a playful spirit. The great reels at track one, as well as "The Hills of New Zealand" at track six were composed by Madden. Inspiration for the latter came from the hard work and research a Kiwi man showed to return her lost digital camera. The band's mixture of the familiar with their own creative artistry is commendable. Whether instrumental or vocal, CTL's music conveys powerful messages of struggle, hardship, bravery, love, kindness, compassion and benevolence. That's a real laundry list and a lot of ground to musically cover, but well-performed Celtic music creates this for me. And how better to end an album on an uplifting note of optimism than with four cheery reels. CTL's debut on the Rounder label is a clear triumph with its striking music. CTL's poignant presentation is truly moving. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)