.....but eveyone with even the tiniest drop of Irish blood will love it, I guarantee. If ye like the Chieftans, Clancy Brothers, Natalie McMaster and similar artists, ye will throughly enjoy the tracks on this abum. All of them are honest, acoustic Irish songs sung by artists who know how it is. I reccomend you start with the last track, "Aint it Bloody Well Grand To be Irish (And Livin' in the USA)" to get to know where the band is comming from....it's so refreshing to hear Celtic musicians pen their own material. 
Other tracks of note are "Black Velvet Band", "Mike Muldowny", "Siuil Aghra/Irish Rover/Star of the County Down", "Dawning of the Day", "Hornpipes", and of course, "Whiskey, You're the Devil". 
So if you're Irish by heritage, or if you just enjoy Celtic music in general, this is one tiny group, from a tiny, (yet musically powerful) state that will no doubt be ging places in the near future. Highly reccomended!!!
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Of Irish Crossings Told" by O'hAnleigh 
reviewed by Catherine L. Tully for Celtic MP3 Magazine

This CD has quite a fabulous variety of music, instruments and vocals. Highlighting the Irish-American sounds of everything from traditional Celtic music to totally original arrangements, there are a great deal of things to listen to. You'll hear penny whistles, spoons, shakers, bouzouki, mandolin, harmonica, steel and nylon string guitar, bowed psaltery, banjo, bass and of course the fiddle among other instruments here.

A springy version of Rising of the Moon is a particularly light rendition, and the harmonies on this CD are very smooth. Different songs highlight different instruments, which keep things interesting throughout. The tender vocals on "Tis the Last Rose of Summer" were particularly lovely.

There are quite a few tracks (14, to be exact) to choose from here, and the contrast between the gentleness of songs like Last Rose (above) and the fun, rousing romps like "Black Velvet Band" give this compilation an interesting range. There is humour, depth and fun, so it should appeal to many, just like good Celtic music should!
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Mark Sustic Calendar, April 22, 2006

New recordings we think you should know about: O’Hanleigh (Green Cabin Music ) Of Irish Crossings Told.   Anyone who noticed the late March/early April the top-selling CDs in the weekly Seven Days poll would have seen this one was at the top of the heap for several weeks running. And that’s not just the folk or traditional music category….. it did better than the Flaming Lips, James Blunt or Rob Zombie…. and all others! The group has also gotten air play on over 60 radio stations around the world. If nothing else this East Middlebury-based group has a thing or two to teach the folkies among us about marketing amidst the big girls and boys. The band got its start in early 2002 by performing at a St. Patrick’s Day event, and hasn’t stopped since. The new CD is a collection of traditional and original Irish-American songs and tunes….. ballads, sing-a-long pub songs in 2- and 3-part harmony, traditional fiddle tunes….. featuring Tom Hanley, his daughter Becca, and Cindy Hill, all with a staggering array of instruments and vocal harmonies. For ordering and other information contact the group at www.myspace.com/ohanleigh. If all you want to do is order the CD, try www.cdbaby.com.
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O’hAnleigh – Of Irish Crossings Told

Who would ever expect Vermont, USA, to be home to one of the world’s leading Irish Folk bands? Surprising as that fact is, “Of Irish Crossings Told” is a beautiful album full of passionate energy and verve.

The track selection does an excellent job in covering an expansive repertoire, with each song showcasing brilliant musicianship and tremendous production values. There are no “skip tracks”, which leads to a very strong album overall.

O’hAnleigh’s traditional Irish folk style is injected with their US immigrant influences, producing music with depth and character. You get the impression there is incredible pride amongst the band members of their ancestral origins, and they embrace their “Irishness” with gusto. 

“Mike Muldowney” and “Ain’t it Bloody Well Grand” start and finish the album with a rousing tempo that is guaranteed to have you tapping your feet and humming the tunes for days.  Other personal favourites include “The Scotsman”, featuring standout harmonies, and “Rising of the Moon/White cockade”. Each song has a tale to tell, as is tradition with the Irish.

Special mention must be given to the musicianship of the three band members – Tom Hanley, Becca Hanley and Cindy Hill. They all play a multitude of instruments, many traditional, and both their individual vocals and harmonies are superb.  

A must have for lovers of Irish folk music!

Jane Oldes
The Erotic Woman.com
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