Santiago

 (23 customer reviews)

This is a terrific album by The Chieftains. A couple of reviewers have complained that it is not authentic Galician music. Well, if they would read the liner notes carefully they would discover that the cd is not meant to be a portrayal of authentic Galician music, although there are tracks that are. This is an album that traces Celtic roots. Spreading from Galicia to Ireland, Mexico, the Caribbean, and through Central and South America. On this album you will hear music from Galicia, Ireland, Brittany, Scotland, Mexico and Cuba. But all have some Galician connections. So of course, if you are looking for "authentic" Galician, of course this is not for you. But if you are looking for wonderful music, played on unusual instruments, then this is for you. For example, "Minho Waltz" probably of Portuguese origin, was discovered in an old manuscript in the museum at Pontevedra. It just makes this album all the more special, as it has great historical interest, and the...Read more

Some have berated the Chieftains for not remaining "pure" and sticking to their roots. Why I am not certain. Some of the collaborations have been outstanding, including Santiago. This is an album to cherish, as the northwest of Spain - Galicia and its capital Santiago de Compostela - have an ancient Celtic historical connection. Some online critics have asked if this album truly captures that overall connection. I sense that it sincerely does, and if not, who cares? This sound they've created here creates its own history through its depth of feeling, its energy, and its vision. I recommend it wholeheartedly as a masterpiece among their collaborations, and another gem to check out is Celtic Wedding, in which the Chieftains collaborate with musicians from Brittany. Fire in the Kitchen with Canadian musicians is terrific. Or, if you are looking for a pure Irish collaboration, Water from the Well is fantastic. The Chieftains have plenty to choose from their own catalogue of...Read more

Having discovered the Chieftains through Kazaa ('net music sharing isn't bad AFTER all!), I went out and purchased Santiago because I became obssessed with Dueling Chanters. Let me tell you; the music contained on this CD is absolutely amazing. A plethora of various instruments are used (most of which haven't been heard of by the general public), and people who have not heard these amazing instruments (Uilleann pipes, bodhrán, Galician pipes, bones, tin whistle, just to name a few) is definitely missing out on some of the better music of the lands of the world. To think this is all coming from a 16 year old guy, whose peers listen to "rap" and "punk". Disgraceful to my kind, aren't I? I enjoy actual *music*, not *noise*. Anyone who enjoys aural ecstasy, Santiago is for you.