JOHN BREEN: John Breen

John Breen

John Breen

© 2004 Alternative-Urban Records/Atlanta Music Group (783707982625)

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Music rooted in tradition with masterful vocal deliveries and magical musical performances. Produced by veteran Steven Hawkins who's stage and/or studio credits include (Leon Russell, Wayne "Bear" Sauls, Gregg Allman, Percy Sledge, John Lee Hooker).

notes

The John Breen album combines the best of traditional Irish music with unique contemporary interpretations of the same by the world music influenced "Mad Hatter's Celtic Orchestra." The songs reflect both the ballads that John Breen is best known for along with the kind of rollicking good fun associated with Ireland's foot tapping Celtic beats.

John's album is a concept album delivering a fresh perspective of songs with roots rich in tradition yet broadened by music schooled in dynamics and foundation, intelligently embracing the sounds of ancient Celtic times and interweaving it with the Ireland of today. This is an album of Celtic passion delivered in John Breen's compelling vocal styling that truly instills a desire to listen to it one more time. Producer Steven Hawkins draws from a diverse range of traditional music styles, sounds and instrumentation, and explores a unique and refreshingly modern approach to roots-based Celtic music. The arrangements are different from what anyone might expect.

In past years, John Breen has performed with his own band, to sharing the stage with Boru, The Dublin Rogues, The Dublin City Ramblers, and Liam O' Faoilin to name a few. Currently John is touring in Europe with his band Finan.

With original songs included on this release, proving John's capacity for writing as well as singing, this debut album is truly a first in what we are certain will be many future albums throughout John Breen's flourishing career.

Performances:
John Breen - vocal & acoustic guitar
Ken Burns - mandolin
Paddy O' Conner - highland pipes/uileann pipes
Willie Malone -tin whistle/ flute/recorder
Steven Hawkins - bodhran/drums/percussion/harmonica/keyboards/ glockenspiel/acoustic bass/background vocals
The Mad Hatter's Celtic Orchestra - Orchestral performances
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If you are into Blues and Southern Rock music, check out the Alternative/Urban release of the legendary blues guitarist, Wayne "Bear" Sauls, featuring Steven Hawkins and Paul Hornsby (Marshall Tucker Band - Charlie Daniels Band) at http://www.cdbaby.com/bearsauls

reviews

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  • Wonderful!
    author: Mountain Anne

    I LOVED! this CD. His redition of Ragland Road is the best. His tribute to Luke Kelly brings tears to the eye. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of John Breen's recordings.

  • A must have for all lovers of Irish music!
    author: Rossum

    Haunting and inspired this cd is a must have for all lovers of Irish music. Highly recommended!

  • Simply......Wonderful!!!!!
    author: Kaley Willow

    This CD is simply ........wonderful throughout. I am enjoying listening to John sing...He puts so much emotion in each song..and his voice is mesmerizing and very beautiful. I especially enjoyed the original songs...., Sea Breeze and You Will Go. Sea Breeze took me there....and for a few moments..., I was on Irish Shores.... Would surely love to hear John sing live.....Hoping he will do a U.S. tour.....and come to the North East....

  • Atmospheric Break From The Old Routine.
    author: Reviewer: Tim Roberts "Celtic Connoiseur" (USA)

    "Skies clouds threaten rain, now ain't love grand", John Breen sings on "Sea Breeze", one of the self penned tunes on his debut album. That ruminative line captures the affecting spirit of John Breen. Though there's plenty here that pays homage to fans of the requisite Irish attitude, "Rare Auld Mountain Dew" and "Johnny Jump Up", it's the sentimental mood that John Breen captures best. "The Dublin Minstral" steals the show, and "You Will Go", also self-penned, is ingratiatingly nostalgic. Producer Steven Hawkins surrounds John Breen's contributions with amazingly intuitive resourcefulness. Each song on this 13 song album is showcased in a way that typifies the overall tone - a passionate work of heart.

  • An appealing showcase for John Breen's dynamic emotive voice.
    author: Patrcik Kennedy-Celtic Music Reviewer

    The new CD from John Breen is a refreshing display of his roots and an appealing showcase for his dynamic emotive voice. This is a Celtic music album loaded with exquisite selections. How does this release succeed? Mightily. Opening with "Raglan Road," Breen is on form. His presentation of this angst-driven composition goes straight to the heart of the listener. The vocal harmonies and musical background setting for this song are marvelous. Breen's delivery of the beautiful and haunting "The Dublin Minstrel," based on the life of Dublin's Luke Kelly, is an image-laden, chilling rendition that showcases Breen's dynamic vocal artistry and emotions. He is feeling every note of this song. The work of producer Steven Hawkins increase the effectiveness of this piece, by the way the instrumentation continually builds and augments Breen's vocal throughout this piece. The original tune, "Sea Breeze" is another incisive offering. On this melancholy song about a lad fed up with love, Breen's vocal tones and inflections, driven by the wistful subtlety of this song increase the power of the song's stark and joyless message. A brilliant piece of work. "Black Is The Colour" has a very passionate orchestral intro and background accompaniment. Breen's version is a mid-tempo presentation of the song loaded with hooks. A finer version of this song I have not heard. Utilizing a mad collection of instrumentation on "The Mountains Of Mourne," Breen and Hawkins reinvent this Celtic classic to a mid-uptempo pop version of the tune unlike no one has ever heard. This offering is very cleverly crafted and radio ready. Another original song, "You Will Go" is a heartfelt message in the chorus that forcefully hits every time it is repeated. "...I owe you for the fine memories..." Now the time it has come to leave...we'll be far apart I know...wherever my feet may stray, that is where you will go..." Now, tell me of an Irishman that couldn't relate to those words? Those unfamiliar with John Breen will find this 13 song CD a mesmerizing introduction. Those who are already fans will be pleased at the variety, power and the beauty of this offering. This release is a treat from beginning to end.

  • Great CD!
    author: Tammy

    I so enjoyed listening to this CD, felt like there was a fresh breath around every corner. The variety of sounds on this CD challenges you to really take note of both the singer and the music. Looking forward to much more from John Breen!

  • author: Elaine Hanrahan

    I'm a great fan of Irish music especially living abroad, I have them all from The Wolfe Tones to The Fureys, The Paddy Reilly's to The Pogues, and this cd is right up there among my top five favourites. The Ballads are absolutely lovely, what a voice. The biggest surprise was to hear this rendition of The Mountains Of Mourne: John Breen meets The Pogues and picks up a few Spanish hitchhikers along the way? Brilliant. The live version of the Irish Rover would definately encourage me to catch this act, probably my favourite foot tapper of the bunch, and for that perfect blend of melancholy and nostalgia You Will Go noses ahead of the rest. This one will be heavy on my rotation list.

  • Redonkulously GREAT
    author: Bulldawg

    This cd is just unbelievable and it earns 10 STARS in my book. John Breen is an amazing vocalist. Also the musicianship is just phenomenal. Who took the picture of John Breen on the inside cover?? That is just a beautiful picture.

  • This cd is spectacular. Very capivating and lively
    author: Louisbully

    This cd is absolutely magnificant. The ballad You Will Go is sensational and reminds me of my late father whom I carry in my heart. I love the haunting intro to Black is the Colour and Johnny Jump up is very witty and amusing. I think this artist will be very sucessful and I wish him the very best of luck.

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