Cara Dillon

cara dillon

Track Listings

1. Black Is the Colour

2. Donald of Glencoe

3. Craigie Hill

4. Green Grows the Laurel

5. Lark in the Clear Air

6. Lonesome Scenes of Winter

7. Blue Mountain River

8. I Wish I Was

9. Maid of Culmore

10. She's Like the Swallow

11. I Am a Youth That's Inclined to Ramble

Cara Dillon,Cara Dillon,Rough Trade Us,Contemporary Folk,Contemporary Singer/Songwriter,Ireland,Irish Folk,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Cara Dillon

Average customer rating:

Wonderful 3rd Album!
Oops

After the Morning
Cara Dillon
Manufacturer: Compass Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Cara Dillon
Cara Dillon
Daybreak: Fáinne an Lae
Hush
Ruby's Torch

ASIN: B000H9I0YM
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

Never In A Million Years
I Wish You Well
Heres A Health
Brockagh Braes
Garden Valley
October Winds
Bold Jamie
The Streets of Derry
This Time
The Snows They Melt The Soonest
Walls
Grace

Album Description

Championed by Geoff Travis (who discovered The Smiths and manages Pulp and Beth Orton), Cara Dillon has one of the most beautiful voices to emerge from the Celtic scene in recent years. Her latest effort, After The Morning (her first release in the US) establishes her uncanny ability to wed traditional influences to contemporary folk sounds and themes. The album was produced by Sam Lakeman (both were former members of the group The Equation) and features an appearance from Paul Brady on the duet The Streets of Derry. After The MorningÂ's first single, Never In A Million Years, garnered heavy airplay from BBC2 in the UK, was the single of the week on BBC Radio Ulster and earned Cara a spot at this yearÂ's Cambridge Folk Festival. Dillon is no stranger to success. In 2002 she was nominated for four and walked away with two BBC Awards: Best Traditional Track (for Black is the Colour) & the Horizon (Best Newcomer) Award. In 2004 she was honored with the Irish Meteor Award for Best Female Singer and the Irish Tattler Woman of the Year Music Award. It comes as no surprise that Q Magazine would assert that "...Dillon's vocals, expressive beyond her years, are right on the money."

Born in 1975 and raised in Dungiven, Co. Derry, Cara comes from a family steeped in traditional Irish music. At 14 years old she won the acclaimed All Ireland Traditional Singing Trophy and from there went on to earn her reputation as an outstanding vocalist with the young Irish band, Oige. In 1995 Cara replaced singer Kate Rusby in the new folk super-group, The Equation. It was as a member of The Equation that CaraÂ's musical partnership with Equation co-founder Sam Lakeman began, and since the mid-90s when the two left the band that partnership has developed at a rapid pace. Unusually sophisticated and yet completely unpretentious, their music reveals refreshing imagination and considerable flair and it belies the fact that they are both in their early 30s. While Cara Dillon is still relatively unknown on this side of the pond, After The Morning is sure to make her a favorite of North American folk music fans.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful 3rd Album!.......2007-07-13

I am really enjoying this album... The first song does veer towards pop rather than traditional, but it is an excellent song! There are also several awesome songs that tend more toward the traditional... like The Snows They Come The Soonest and Bold Jamie. Then there's Garden Valley, written by Scotland's modern poet laureate, Dougie MacLean, that Cara does a magnificant job with. Granted, there are a few songs that don't highlight Cara's ability as well as they could, but her beautiful voice can compensate for a lack in any song.

Oops.......2007-03-06

After Cara's first two excellent albums that retained a real traditional feel within a modern setting, this came as a huge disappointment. The voice is just as lovely, but the music has veered right away from the traditional and into bland commercial-style music. Right in the footsteps of Mary Black. A pity.

Average customer rating:

Flawless !
Very Nice Voice
Newcomer makes her mark
A winning package!
incredible!

Cara Dillon
Cara Dillon
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

After the Morning
After the Morning
The Farthest Wave
Don't I Know
Underneath the Stars

ASIN: B00005V8PL
Release Date: 2002-02-05

Tracks:

BLACK IS THE COLOUR
DONALD OF GLENCOE
CRAIGIE HILL
GREEN GROWS THE LAUREL
LARK IN THE CLEAR AIR
THE LONESOME SCENES OF WINTER
BLUE MOUNTAIN RIVER
I WISH I WAS
THE MAID OF CULMORE
SHE'S LIKE THE SWALLLOW
I AM A YOUTH THAT'S INCLINED TO RAMBLE

Customer Reviews:

Flawless !.......2003-10-30

Born and raised in Dungiven, County Derry, this is Cara's first solo album - she has released albums as part of the bands Oige and Equation. It was when she joined Equation she met the man who became her musical partner (and soon to be husband) Sam Lakeman. Together, they left the band within a year of Cara joining and started working towards this release. Recorded in Donegal and Devon, produced by Sam and released in July 2001 this album is a must-have if (i) you like music of a traditional / folk leaning or (ii) regardless of the musical style, you can appreciate a truly outstanding singing voice.

All but three of the eleven songs on the album are traditional. "Lark in the Clear Air", one of these three, is probably the album's weakest. The lyrics are brimming with so much sweetness, listening too closely to them could cause a feeling of nausea. In fairness to Cara and Sam, it wasn't penned by them - "Blue Mountain River", one of their own compositions, is a much stronger song musically and lyrically.

On the whole, though, I'd have to say I prefer the traditional songs. The album starts with what I'd consider to be the best - "Black is the Colour" and "Donald of Glencoe". However, the rest of the album is far from disappointing - the remaining tracks are all very good and would be the highlights of many other albums. "She's Like the Swallow" especially deserves an honourable mention. Like the rest of the album, it's beautifully played sung - it also has the benefit of not being a straightforward love song !

I'd say this album would be the sort of recording that would suit nicely when you've had a rotten day at work - draw the curtains, stretch out on the sofa, start listening and relax. I've never grown tired of listening to it, have never forgotten about it and still listen to regularly.

Cara has won a number of awards since the release of this album - at the Hot Press for "Best Roots Act", the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (including "Best Traditional Track" for "Black is the Colour") and Big Buzz Irish Entertainment Award for "Best Traditional Act 2003". She has been touring very heavily over the last couple of years, and if you get the chance, I would highly recommend you go and see her. You might find it hard to believe, but her voice is as strong and as pure live as it is on record.

It might also be worth pointing out that Cara's sister, Mary, provided the backing vocals for this album. Mary was the lead singer for a band called Deanta - if it turns out you like Cara's album, I'd suggest trying a few of their albums also. Mary, like Cara, has a superb voice and her bandmates were clearly very gifted musicians.

Very Nice Voice.......2003-09-24

Her Voice stands out in the music. Also check out Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells III album. She had a lead vocal role in the song "Man in the Rain". She sounds especially outstanding in this Mike Oldfield's composition. My personal favorite of Cara Dillon.

Newcomer makes her mark.......2003-08-26

Cara Dillon is (by deduction) Mary Dillon's sister, lead singer of Irish band Deanta. This is Cara's debut album featuring nine traditional songs and two originals in both acoustic and contemporary electric arrangements. Cara has a sweet almost wispy voice, akin to both Mary Dillon and Karan Casey, well suited to this repertoire. The arrangements are all very tasteful, and Cara's style pulls each together and makes them work. The highlights for me are "Black Is The Colour" and "The Maid of Culmore", both tender, romantic and captivating. Others include "Donald of Glencoe", "Craigie Hill", "Green Grows The Laurel", "The Lark In The Clear Air" and "I Am A Youth That's Inclined To Ramble". Production values are not quite as assured as say, Karan Casey's "Distant Shore", but Cara's fine talent will quickly make its mark with a wide audience.

A winning package!.......2003-07-09

Cara Dillon is young, and she has the voice of an angel. She has an obvious appreciation for pop music, but an abiding love for her Irish traditions. And this, her self-titled debut album, blends both in a winning package.

Most of the songs on Cara's first CD are traditional pieces, arranged by Cara and producer Sam Lakeman to appeal to an audience with a love for Irish traditional ballads and modern pop. With vocals this delightfully vivid, I can only hope Cara continues to explore her traditional roots with an ear for modern arrangements.

incredible!.......2002-11-22

I got this CD about a month ago and I just love it. I am constantly listening to it in my car. I first heard of Cara Dillon at the Sidmouth Folk Festival in England this past Summer, so I decided to check her music out. I was pleasantly suprised at the outcome. Cara blends the old and new together beautifully in this Cd which is probably the reason I like it so much. My favorite song has to be the last track (I am a Youth Inclined to Ramble). Even if you're not a hard core folk fan give this one a try.

Average customer rating:

Cara Dillon
Cara Dillon
Manufacturer: Rough Trade Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

After the Morning
After the Morning
Sweet Liberty
Hush
The Farthest Wave

ASIN: B0007M225W
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

Black Is the Colour
Donald of Glencoe
Craigie Hill
Green Grows the Laurel
Lark in the Clear Air
Lonesome Scenes of Winter
Blue Mountain River
I Wish I Was
Maid of Culmore
She's Like the Swallow
I Am a Youth That's Inclined to Ramble

Average customer rating:

If you like Celtic folk music buy this!

Sweet Liberty
Cara Dillon
Manufacturer: Rough Trade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Cara Dillon

ASIN: B0000AQVEL
Release Date: 2003-09-29

Tracks:

High Tide
Winding River Roe
Everywhere
There Were Roses
Where Are You
Gem of the Roe
Bonny Bonny
Erin the Green
Broken Bridges
Falling Like a Star
Standing on the Shore
Emigrant's Farewell

Customer Reviews:

If you like Celtic folk music buy this!.......2007-05-18

What a beautiful, clear voice Cara has. These are not strict interpretations of classic pieces. They have a modern instrumental accompaniment. And there are contemporary pieces here too. I have long been into Loreena McKennitt more mystical Celtic tales, The Chieftans spirited renderings, Enya, Clannad and The Coors contemporary pop music. But nothing compares to Cara's clean lines and hauntingly beautiful voice. She "plays" her voice like an instrument, modulating and hitting notes with precision but also with emotion. Please have a listen and you'll be convinced! (I wish the album's price could be reduced though. Go to http://www.caradillon.co.uk/ - Cara's own web site. There is a player available there. Click the down arrow to select a track. None of the selections are from this CD, however)

Average customer rating:

Calling her Pop Celtic would be unfair, but...
Cara's best yet
Not what I was expecting

After the Morning
Cara Dillon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Cara Dillon
Cara Dillon
Scribbled in Chalk
Daybreak: Fáinne an Lae
The Farthest Wave

ASIN: B000E6FXS4
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Tracks:

Never in a Million Years
I Wish You Well
Here's a Health
Brockagh Braes
Garden Valley
October Winds
Bold Jamie
Streets of Derry
This Time
Snows They Melt the Soonest
Walls
Grace

Album Description

After The Morning features a total of 12 tracks including 'I Wish You Well', 'Brockagh Braes', 'This Time', 'Grace', 'Bold Jamie' and more. Rough Trade. 2006.

Customer Reviews:

Calling her Pop Celtic would be unfair, but..........2006-12-07

I think it's an accurate description.

This CD popped up on Amazon as a "recommendation" and for some reason I decided to chance it. I'm so glad I did. I play this CD a lot and plan to by her others as well. The music and arrangements are more pop than I normally like, but in this case I don't mind at all. Think of the early Corrs music and you get an idea of what she sounds like. Better yet, go to the sample selections and cruise through the whole album. Every song is very listenable and very accessible.

I don't normally write CD reviews, but I was moved to write and recommend it to anyone who likes the sweeter side of Celtic music. Less ethereal and new age than Enya, and far less hard driving than Sharon Shannon, say. Another reviewer has expressed some disappointment at the eclectic nature of the song selection. But since I have not been exposed to earlier Cara Dillon, this doesn't bother me at all. Cara's voice is extremely pure and delicate, and there is something about her phrasing that comes through with great immediacy.

I took a chance and you should, too.

Cara's best yet.......2006-06-22

This is definitely Cara's strongest and best album to date. After the Morning has Cara successfully combining folk with a little bluegrass to produce a beautifully melodic album with every track a winner and one that should appeal to a wider listening audience. Standouts for me were Brockagh Braes and Garden Valley but I haven't skipped a track when playing the album since I first heard it a few months ago. Her angelic voice and Sam Lakeman's arrangements are more confident on this album than the previous two albums - this is one I definitely recommend.

Not what I was expecting.......2006-06-09

Cara Dillon has been one of the artists I regularly listen to with great joy. Her voice and interpretation of the folk genre are phenomenal. Play either of her two previous albums and you'll be amazed. I've had many friends listen to Cara Dillon and become instant fans. Sadly, this album is not quite up to the standard I've come to expect from this artist.

In this album Cara Dillon begins to experiment and blend different musical styles. Rock/pop and bluegrass influences are certainly clear. Although Ms Dillon wasn't what you'd considerer a 'hard core' folk artist, she was pretty much solidly in the folk genre. When I listen to certain tracks on this album, I feel as if they have been watered down to meet public expectations, rather than a unique blend of styles. In some cases the final product just ended up sounding awkward or strange. Usually I like music that defies classification but this album seemed to be the perfect example of the pitfalls awaiting artists when they venture forth out of their niches.

Despite the problems I see in this album, there are tracks that get the balance right. It is very clear that Cara Dillon is in an experimental phase, or has taken some bad advice on how to widen her audience. Her strength is certainly with her folk roots and I hope that she'll remain true to them. If you are a fan, you might want to buy this album out of curiosity but don't buy it expecting to hear folk music.

Average customer rating:

Spellbinding
Cara has an incredibly voice!
Another Beautiful Album !

Sweet Liberty
Cara Dillon
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Cara Dillon
After the Morning
Cara Dillon
After the Morning
The Farthest Wave

ASIN: B0001JXOY4
Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

High Tide
Winding River Roe
Everywhere
There Were Roses
Where Are You
Gem of the Roe
Bonny Bonny
Erin the Green
Broken Bridges
Falling Like a Star
Standing on the Shore
Emigrant's Farewell

Customer Reviews:

Spellbinding.......2005-04-06

What immediately struck me, was her unique melodious voice. Cara truly has a style of her own, whether she is singing traditional Celtic airs or self composed pieces. There is a sweet and serene quality to her voice, yet it is powerful with quite an impressive vocal range.

This is the second of Cara's albums and I was absolutely blown away when I first listened to this C.D., which I purchased while in Ireland. This quickly became the soundtrack to my vacation, which I played constantly as I drove across country.

I would highly recommend this album to anyone who is a fan of "original" Celtic music. If you are looking for screeching fiddles or rowdy pub songs, then this isn't the album for you. The accompaniment of the Uilleann Pipes and piano and flute are appropriate and tastefully done, without taking away from the singer's vocal qualities. The self-penned songs of "High Tide" and "Where and You?" are particularly captivating.

Can't wait for the next album!

Cara has an incredibly voice!.......2004-05-20

I am from the states, but while I was visiting Belfast this past spring, I saw Cara Dillon perform and her album doesn't do her voice justice, but it does come in at a close second! She has an amazing talent and her style is really different from anything I have heard before. I really enjoy this album. It takes on a rather calm/slow pace for almost the whole time. Its a really relaxing album. I love the traditional Irish songs and the instruments that are incorporated within them.

"There Were Roses" is one of my favorites because it is so beautiful and touching.

Another Beautiful Album !.......2004-03-24

The second solo release from the one-time All-Ireland Singing Champion and former member of Oige. As with Cara's first release, husband Sam and brother-in-law Seth both play on this album, and sister Mary once again provides backing vocals. Recorded in Somerset, Sam is also listed the album's producer.

Cara's first album featured only three songs that weren't traditional tunes. With Sweet Liberty, the mix is slightly different - five of the twelve tracks are traditional, five are written by Cara and Sam, with the remaining two having been written by others. One of these songs is "There Were Roses", written by the legendary Tommy Sands. Cara initially recorded it for use on a BBC TV show called "Billy Connolly's World Tour of England, Ireland and Wales". After the episode featuring the track was broadcast, the message boards on Cara's website were virtually flooded (pun entirely intended !) with demands that this song be released. There's no doubt that it will be one of the highlights of the album for many people - it is superbly delivered.

For me, the highlights of this album are - as with her first release - the traditional songs. "The Winding River Roe", which gives a nod to Cara's hometown of Dungiven, features only Cara's voice and Sam tinkling the keyboards. Cara's delivery is so good on this track, I couldn't help wondering why the song hadn't been recorded unaccompanied. Running it close for my Song of the Album award is "The Emigrant's Farewell". One of the songs on the album to benefit from Brian Finnegan's flute playing, it also sees Liam O'Maonlai joining Mary on backing vocals. Liam, of course, is better known as the lead singer of the Hothouse Flowers.

The album opens with "High Tide", one of the songs Sam and Cara wrote themselves. It and "Broken Bridges" would be the best of the self-penned bunch. "Where Are You ?" nearly took that title - largely a gentle tune until the uileann pipes cut in. However, I just couldn't shake the feeling that it was drifting a little towards the sort of territory associated with the Corrs.

Tracks:

High Tide
Winding River Roe
Everywhere
There Were Roses
Where Are You
Gem of the Roe
Bonny Bonny
Erin the Green
Broken Bridges
Falling Like a Star
Standing on the Shore
Emigrant's Farewell

Rock Music:

Rock Music

rock music