AnamCountry of origin:Ireland and Scotland Type of music generally:Traditional and contemporary folk Status:Most recent release, Anam Box (compilation, 2005); most recent studio release, Tine Gheal/Bright Fire (2000) See also:AllMusic's Anam page Comparisons:Capercaillie, Loreena McKennitt. (Yves.Denneulin@imag.fr) Covers/own material:Both—each album is split between new arrangements of traditional tunes and original compositions. General comments:The band is composed of a guy playing bouzouki, a girl playing accordion and whistle, a singer/guitarist and the female lead singer. When I saw them live, they played more than two hours and most of it was really great. I especially liked the singer's voice which sounded like a blend between Karen Matheson (Capercaillie's singer) and Joan Baez. Comments about live performance:They put on a very impressive show, playing a mix of traditional Irish, Scottish and Cornish tunes along with some original tunes and songs. I hadn't heard any of Anam's music before, and though I wasn't blown away like I was the first time I saw Solas or Altan I'll probably go and see them again the next time they come by. (mcurry@io.com) Recommended first album:Saoirse Recordings include:
AnamRelease info:1994—Anam Records—CACD 01 Availability:Available in the U.K. Ecto priority:Recommended for fans of traditional folk Group members:Brian ó hEadhra—guitar SaoirseRelease info:1995—Anam Records—CACD 02 Availability:Available in the U.K., but copies are now limited Ecto priority:Recommended for fans of traditional folk Group members:Brian ó hEadhra—vocals, acoustic guitar, 12 string guitar, bodhrán, harmonica, keyboard, whistle, mandolin Guest artists:Gerry O'Beirne—acoustic guitar Produced by:Brian ó hEadhra and Aimée Leonard Comments:The first album with Aimée, recorded shortly after she joined the band. This remains my favourite because it is the one with the most discreet production so it has a sound close to the live one where they are best, I think. (Yves.Denneulin@imag.fr) First FootingRelease info:1996—JVC music—JVC-9011-2 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Medium Group members:Brian ó hEadhra—vocals, acoustic guitar Guest artists:Myles Farrell—bouzouki Produced by:Gerry O'Beirne Comments:This is their first album with a major label. The production is "smoother" sometimes lowering spontaneity. The design of the sleeve is also much more elaborate with translations etc. RiptideRelease info:1998—JVC music—JVC9034-2 Availability:Good Ecto priority:High Group members:Brian ó hEadhra—vocals, acoustic guitar Guest artists:Conrad Itvinsky—double bass, stick bass Produced by:Calum Malcolm Comments:Their last album to date, this is probably the most ear-catching. It is a good example of the various kinds of music they play, and they are now mature enough to go to the end of their choices. The atmosphere between the songs changes dramatically which is not so common in folk music. If you prefer production over a rough sound go for this one instead of Saoirse. (Yves.Denneulin@imag.fr) Thanks to Yves Denneulin for work on this entry.
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