From left to right are Lisa Kelly, Chloë Agnew, Máiréad Nesbitt and newest member Lisa Lambe
The Celtic Women show brings Irish singing to Asheville on Tuesday night. / Special to the Citizen-Times
ASHEVILLE — The global appeal of Celtic Woman's music is simple to explain, says solo violinist Máiréad Nesbitt.
“The melodies are beautiful,” she says. “It crosses all the different types of emotions and genres.”
The all-female ensemble, featuring three vocalists and Nesbitt on Celtic violin, brings its celebration of traditional and contemporary song to Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Tuesday for its first Asheville show. The production, titled “Songs from the Heart,” mixes Irish classics, modern covers and original compositions, with the featured performers accompanied by a six-piece band and Aontas Choir.
“There's something for everybody,” says Nesbitt, talking to take5 before a Gulf Coast show. “The coming threads are the arrangements of David Downes, the musical director and the composers.
“It has really struck a chord with everyone around the world,” she says about the group's music.
Chart success
Since its March 2005 debut, Celtic Woman has built a widespread following through public television specials, frequent touring and word-of-mouth praise.
The group has sold more than 6 million CDs/DVDs worldwide, logged two top 10 album debuts on the Billboard Top 200 and sold about 1.2 million concert tickets.
The current tour features the compelling vocals of Lisa Kelly, Chloe Agnew and newest member Lisa Lambe, plus former All-Ireland fiddle champion Nesbitt. There are both solo and ensemble performances.
“It's a fusion. We all have different styles,” says Nesbitt, whose acclaimed career has covered both classical and traditional Irish music.
A Tipperary native, Nesbitt began her career with Ireland's RTE Concert Orchestra. She was the original lead fiddle in “Lord of the Dance” and has worked with artists from Afro-Celt Sound System to Van Morrison.
Best of both worlds
Look for an eclectic song list Tuesday, such as renditions of Jimmy Webb's “The Moon's a Harsh Mistress,” Billy Joel's “Goodnight My Angel,” “Amazing Grace” and Irish classics “My Lagan Love” and “Galway Bay,” as well as “Níl Sé'n Lá.”
The show includes the original composition, “Songs from the Heart,” written for this tour.
“It's nice for people to have some new numbers and favorites,” Nesbitt notes. “‘Amazing Grace' has a fantastic piper — he's just incredible.”
This month, Celtic Woman released a soothing collection of new and previously released tunes titled “Lullaby.” And fans can find music from the current tour on the “Songs from the Heart” CD and DVD, the latter filmed live at Powerscourt House and Gardens in Ireland.
“It's not just Irish music. It's more world music,” Nesbitt says about the arrangements. “They appeal to people who love melodies and people who can appreciate music on a deeper level as well. It's the best of both worlds.”
Written by Michael Flynn
Citizen-times.com
Asheville Citizen-Times
Asheville, NC
Feb 24, 2011
