mary jane lamond: stòras :: quotes & reviews

Stòras

Canada:

"Lamond's voice is pure and clear, infused with a stream of life experience
that gives character to every song. Like the peat and the heather that gives
the highland water its flavour."
The Daily News

"Lamond remains the most innovative and exciting Celtic artist. She continues to fuse the ancient language and its beats with a modern interpretation that is all her own. The group vocals and rhythms reflect the origins of the songs, found in the daily rituals of women's work. Then, Lamond adds just that bit of modern influence to make these tunes alive in this day."
New Brunswick Reader

"In every culture there are those who preserve the language, song and traditions. Mary Jane Lamond is one of those people. This is evident in her most recent CD, Storas (Gaelic meaning "a treasure"). This is exactly what our traditions are...they are our treasures."
Celtic Connection

United States:

"Lamond’s interpretations are conscientious and articulate, giving each song its most lucid and truest expression. The arrangements are traditional and played on acoustic instruments, recorded with great attention to detail that result in an intimate mood." - Dirty Linen

"Storas flows with centuries-old tunes brought to life by Lamond’s soaring acoustic band and her masterful weaving of understood emotion layered through sparkling nuances. Lamond glides from milling songs to laments to jaunty dance numbers… all retain a glimmer of melancholy, resonating long after they’re over." - Illinois Entertainer

"She wraps traditional Gaelic songs in contemporary treatments, a veritable postmodern pastiche. - Sing Out Magazine

"Lamond’s use of modern instrumentation and arrangements provides a beautiful framework for these treasures, but it is her vocal performance and delivery that makes these selections truly come. "
MusicTrax

"A marvelous collection of milling songs, laments, reels and love airs. With text and tunes spanning more than three centuries, its success is largely due to the varied arrangements that surround Lamond’s warm, diction-delectable voice."
JWR Reviews

"…it possesses a character all its own, and an adventurous and engaging spirit."
Dirty Linen

United Kingdom:

"There’s life and emotion in all of these songs – and the consistently tasteful arrangements ensure satisfying shifts in both temp and mood. Instrumentally sparkling, the recording captures a rich, traditional acoustic sound."
The Living Tradition

"Lamond’s haunting precious vocals, the focal point from start to finish.."
PopMatters

Òrain Ghàidhlig

Canada:

" . . . a devoted and pure love letter to the island’s storied settlers’ heritage".
Chronicle Herald

"Stirring and refreshingly raw, this disc is clearly a labour of love ... the tradition of the Cape Breton Gaels is in safe, compassionate hands ... strips songs to their tender, moving, mournful, joyful.
Penguin Eggs

United States:

" . . . a completely unmediated homage to the [Cape Breton] island’s traditional music . . . this CD peels bacfk the layers of her previous work and introduces her source material."
Maine Times

Làn Dùil

Canada:

"…another masterpiece of Gaelic songs and traditional stylings like reels mixed with various modern signatures. With guests like Cape Bretoners Gordie Sampson and Ashley MacIsaac, Lamond again shows she’s one of the country’s premier vocalists."
Chapters Online

"…exotic in its exploratory melding of Inverness County tales, modern rhythms and live playing. Lamond sings with zeal, keeping the Gaelic language vibrant and current."
Toronto Star

"Lamond has become one of the top Celtic traditional acts in Canada…"
The Guardian

"With the release of her third CD Lamond continues her artful marrying of tradition and experimentation."
The Monitor

"…there’s something about Mary Jane…it must be her voice."
New Brunswick Reader

"Lamond’s new offering enchants…"
Bridgetown Monitor

United States:

"There’s no question she’s one of the finest Gaelic singers around today…"
Dirty Linen

"Lamond does a lovely job of singing the Gaelic, clearly expressing the joy and sorrow of these ancient songs."
Eugene Weekly

"…Lamond is a splendid interpreter of challenging material."
Chicago Tribune

Suas e!

Canada:

". . impressive talent . . . hypnotic rock arrangements . . . soaring voice . . .rhythmically stirring whole . . "
Macleans

". . . astonishing and uniquely moving collection . . . watch for Lamond to clean up at next year’s nominations for Juno and East Coast Music Awards."
Toronto Sun

"Her hypnotic, word-tumbling style is a wicked delight, even if you don’t understand a word."
Saturday Night

". . . a refreshing balance between modern and ancient. . ."
The Globe & Mail

"Celtic and contemporary make magical mix."
The Georgia Strait

"Suas e! is a delightful listen . . . what the heck is in that Cape Breton water, anyway?"
NOW Magazine

"I know in my heart that no matter what I say about Mary Jane’s stunning second record, Suas e! I won’t be able to do proper justice to her talent, the creative production, or the feelings her music engenders."
Chronicle Herald

"Aside from her wonderful voice and different collection of songs, Lamond will envelope you in an unknown world of spoken word that is at the same time familiar and welcoming."
Pulse Niagara

United States:

"Mary Jane Lamond has one of those angelic voices that makes her sound like a star in the making."
Los Angeles Times

"The sultry Mary Jane Lamond . . ."
Boston Globe

"the powerful vocal talent of Mary Jane Lamond"
Frontiers Newsmagazine

". . . soothing vocals of Mary Jane Lamond emits musical magic."
Virtually Alternative

". . .eerie Gaelic crooning. . ."
Heatstroke

"…she is one of the best women performers singing today."
Irish Edition

"The lure here is almost solely Lamond’s voice, an instrument of crystalline perfection that infuses fresh life into this old, old music."
Mountain Express

"…every song is full of the harmony and emotion that makes them understandable even to people who don’t speak Gaelic."
Friday Morning

"…her blend of traditional Celtic with pop and funk is delicious and stirring."
Napra Review

"…luring the listener, blissfully, unconscious, to the rocks."
SoundStone.com

"…incendiary sets startlingly melded her teenage punk roots with her ancestral Cape Breton ones."
What In The World

"…the band’s edgy, insistent sound and Lamond’s soulful singing more than filled the intimate Great American Music Hall."
The Gael

"Quite simply she is extraordinary…"
Times Record

"…captivating Gaelic singer with a sinewy pop and world-beat groove…"
Boston Globe

"She sings with a clarity and honesty which demonstrate an innate understanding of this timeless material."
The Herald

"…Lamond’s voice, an instrument of crystalline perfection that infuses fresh life into this old, old music…a latter-day Gaelic diva."
Mountain Express

"Lamond is among the leaders of this movement."
Salt Lake Tribune

"The Record of the Month Award has to go to Mary Jane Lamond…a star is born."
Seattle Rocket

United Kingdom:

" . . . this is a remarkable beast . . . pushing into new waters so cleverly and beautifully . . ."
FolkRoots

". . . moving and always statuesque. . ."
The Guardian Review

". . .casts a spell over those who hear her voice . . ."
Irish Post

". . . excellent track selection, beautifully accompanied."
TOP

"An album of unexpected warmth and variety…an album of the rarest kind, sounding both authentically old and excitingly modern."
Mojo

"This CD marks an important new high in the burgeoning ‘Celtic’ musical and cultural revival…it’s a collection that will come as a surprise and a delight to lovers of Gaelic song in Ireland and Britain."
Irish Music

Bho Thir Nan Craobh

"Strong, complex, beautiful young voice…diction gorgeous, Gaelic exquisite to the ear."
Sing Out

"Mary Jane stunned traditional music enthusiasts with her subtle, expert readings of Gaelic folk songs on her debut album."
United Press Intl

"Mary Jane has great clarity and an impressive command of Gaelic."
BBC

"… at once splendid and haunting…"
The Scots Magazine
"Clear-voiced and passionate, Mary Jane conveys a solid sense of the Gaelic culture."
The Cape Bretoner

"Every once in a while a voice just grabs you. Mary Jane Lamond has one of those voices, rich, low, and clear."
Yorkton This Week

Performance
"One doesn’t attend one of her performances and walk away unaffected; she’s riveting."
The Brunswickan

"Seeing Mary Jane Lamond and her crack band is a treasure, a life-time memory, an ‘I Was There’ moment."
The Coast

"Celtic roots and a strong, pure voice spell divadom for Mary Jane Lamond."
Toronto Life Fashion

"Celtic queen. If you want the Gaelic goods, forget about Ashley and The Rankins, Mary Jane Lamond’s who you’re looking for."
Daily News

". . . alternately soothing and commanding performances .. ."
NOW Magazine

"She set a formidable standard."
Celtic Connections

"Hypnotic, haunting and so completely different."
Niagara Fall Review

"She has remarkable range and power, and a wide array of emotions she easily projects in a song."
The Star

"Canada goes gaga for Gaelic girl...the riveting Mary Jane Lamond."
The Edmonton Sun

"Lamond is indeed a treasure."
Ottawa Citizen

"The glorious Gaelic vocals of Mary Jane Lamond."
What! A magazine

"Outstanding vocalist."
Winnipeg Free Press

". . . immaculate vocals that just send the listener into bliss . . her caressing voices takes command. She illustrates why the human voice is considered a noteworthy instrument."
San Jose Mercury News

". . . haunting vocals . . ."
Press-Telegram (CA)

" . . . ethereal female vocal . . ."
Advocate (CA)

"Vocalist Mary Jane Lamond can handle any material . . ."
Fantastic Voyage

"Lamond can certainly - and does - reduce the stately Princess of Wales Theatre to a community hall in the best sense of the word."
The Toronto Sun (Needfire)

"A rich and compelling, capable voice."
Times Globe

"…exceptional talent…"
Ottawa Sun

"Effortlessly picking precise notes from the air, Lamond enchants listeners."
Pulse Niagara

". . . impressive talent . . . hypnotic rock arrangements . . .soaring voice . . . rhythmically stirring whole . . ."
Maclean’s

"Seeing Mary Jane and her crack band is a treasure, a life-time memory, an ‘I Was There’ moment."
The Coast

" . . astonishing and uniquely moving collection . . ." Toronto Sun
"Hypnotic, haunting and so completely different." Niagara Fall Review
"Celtic roots and a strong, pure voice spell divadom for Mary Jane Lamond."
Toronto Life Fashion

"Watch for Lamond to clean up at next year’s nominations for Juno and East Coast Music Awards." Toronto Sun
"Impressively, her voice is able to create a full landscape for songs without instrumentation."
FFWD

"Celtic queen. If you want the Gaelic goods, forget about Ashley and The Rankins, Mary Jane Lamond’s who you’re looking for." Daily News
". . . find a refreshing balance between modern and ancient . . ."
The Globe & Mail

"Effortlessly picking precise notes from the air, Lamond enchants listeners."
Niagara Weekly

"Her hypnotic, word-tumbling style is a wicked delight, even if you don’t understand a word."
Saturday Night

"Aside from her wonderful voice and different collection of songs, Lamond will envelope you in an unknown world of spoken word that is at the same time familiar and welcoming."
Pulse Niagara

"Celtic and contemporary make magical mix."
The Georgia Straight
". . . Lamond’s alternately soothing and commanding performances."
NOW



	Stòras Canada: "Lamond's voice is pure and clear, infused with a stream of life experience that gives character to every song. Like the peat and the heather that gives the highland water its flavour." The Daily News "Lamond remains the most innovative and exciting Celtic artist. She continues to fuse the ancient language and its beats with a modern interpretation that is all her own. The group vocals and rhythms reflect the origins of the songs, found in the daily rituals of women's work. Then, Lamond adds just that bit of modern influence to make these tunes alive in this day." New Brunswick Reader "In every culture there are those who preserve the language, song and traditions. Mary Jane Lamond is one of those people. This is evident in her most recent CD, Storas (Gaelic meaning "a treasure"). This is exactly what our traditions are...they are our treasures." Celtic Connection United States: "Lamond’s interpretations are conscientious and articulate, giving each song its most lucid and truest expression. The arrangements are traditional and played on acoustic instruments, recorded with great attention to detail that result in an intimate mood." - Dirty Linen "Storas flows with centuries-old tunes brought to life by Lamond’s soaring acoustic band and her masterful weaving of understood emotion layered through sparkling nuances. Lamond glides from milling songs to laments to jaunty dance numbers… all retain a glimmer of melancholy, resonating long after they’re over." - Illinois Entertainer "She wraps traditional Gaelic songs in contemporary treatments, a veritable postmodern pastiche. - Sing Out Magazine "Lamond’s use of modern instrumentation and arrangements provides a beautiful framework for these treasures, but it is her vocal performance and delivery that makes these selections truly come. " MusicTrax "A marvelous collection of milling songs, laments, reels and love airs. With text and tunes spanning more than three centuries, its success is largely due to the varied arrangements that surround Lamond’s warm, diction-delectable voice." JWR Reviews "…it possesses a character all its own, and an adventurous and engaging spirit." Dirty Linen United Kingdom: "There’s life and emotion in all of these songs – and the consistently tasteful arrangements ensure satisfying shifts in both temp and mood. Instrumentally sparkling, the recording captures a rich, traditional acoustic sound." The Living Tradition "Lamond’s haunting precious vocals, the focal point from start to finish.." PopMatters Òrain Ghàidhlig Canada: " . . . a devoted and pure love letter to the island’s storied settlers’ heritage". Chronicle Herald "Stirring and refreshingly raw, this disc is clearly a labour of love ... the tradition of the Cape Breton Gaels is in safe, compassionate hands ... strips songs to their tender, moving, mournful, joyful. Penguin Eggs United States: " . . . a completely unmediated homage to the [Cape Breton] island’s traditional music . . . this CD peels bacfk the layers of her previous work and introduces her source material." Maine Times Làn Dùil Canada: "…another masterpiece of Gaelic songs and traditional stylings like reels mixed with various modern signatures. With guests like Cape Bretoners Gordie Sampson and Ashley MacIsaac, Lamond again shows she’s one of the country’s premier vocalists." Chapters Online "…exotic in its exploratory melding of Inverness County tales, modern rhythms and live playing. Lamond sings with zeal, keeping the Gaelic language vibrant and current." Toronto Star "Lamond has become one of the top Celtic traditional acts in Canada…" The Guardian "With the release of her third CD Lamond continues her artful marrying of tradition and experimentation." The Monitor "…there’s something about Mary Jane…it must be her voice." New Brunswick Reader "Lamond’s new offering enchants…" Bridgetown Monitor United States: "There’s no question she’s one of the finest Gaelic singers around today…" Dirty Linen "Lamond does a lovely job of singing the Gaelic, clearly expressing the joy and sorrow of these ancient songs." Eugene Weekly "…Lamond is a splendid interpreter of challenging material." Chicago Tribune Suas e! Canada: ". . impressive talent . . . hypnotic rock arrangements . . . soaring voice . . .rhythmically stirring whole . . " Macleans ". . . astonishing and uniquely moving collection . . . watch for Lamond to clean up at next year’s nominations for Juno and East Coast Music Awards." Toronto Sun "Her hypnotic, word-tumbling style is a wicked delight, even if you don’t understand a word." Saturday Night ". . . a refreshing balance between modern and ancient. . ." The Globe & Mail "Celtic and contemporary make magical mix." The Georgia Strait "Suas e! is a delightful listen . . . what the heck is in that Cape Breton water, anyway?" NOW Magazine "I know in my heart that no matter what I say about Mary Jane’s stunning second record, Suas e! I won’t be able to do proper justice to her talent, the creative production, or the feelings her music engenders." Chronicle Herald "Aside from her wonderful voice and different collection of songs, Lamond will envelope you in an unknown world of spoken word that is at the same time familiar and welcoming." Pulse Niagara United States: "Mary Jane Lamond has one of those angelic voices that makes her sound like a star in the making." Los Angeles Times "The sultry Mary Jane Lamond . . ." Boston Globe "the powerful vocal talent of Mary Jane Lamond" Frontiers Newsmagazine ". . . soothing vocals of Mary Jane Lamond emits musical magic." Virtually Alternative ". . .eerie Gaelic crooning. . ." Heatstroke "…she is one of the best women performers singing today." Irish Edition "The lure here is almost solely Lamond’s voice, an instrument of crystalline perfection that infuses fresh life into this old, old music." Mountain Express "…every song is full of the harmony and emotion that makes them understandable even to people who don’t speak Gaelic." Friday Morning "…her blend of traditional Celtic with pop and funk is delicious and stirring." Napra Review "…luring the listener, blissfully, unconscious, to the rocks." SoundStone.com "…incendiary sets startlingly melded her teenage punk roots with her ancestral Cape Breton ones." What In The World "…the band’s edgy, insistent sound and Lamond’s soulful singing more than filled the intimate Great American Music Hall." The Gael "Quite simply she is extraordinary…" Times Record "…captivating Gaelic singer with a sinewy pop and world-beat groove…" Boston Globe "She sings with a clarity and honesty which demonstrate an innate understanding of this timeless material." The Herald "…Lamond’s voice, an instrument of crystalline perfection that infuses fresh life into this old, old music…a latter-day Gaelic diva." Mountain Express "Lamond is among the leaders of this movement." Salt Lake Tribune "The Record of the Month Award has to go to Mary Jane Lamond…a star is born." Seattle Rocket United Kingdom: " . . . this is a remarkable beast . . . pushing into new waters so cleverly and beautifully . . ." FolkRoots ". . . moving and always statuesque. . ." The Guardian Review ". . .casts a spell over those who hear her voice . . ." Irish Post ". . . excellent track selection, beautifully accompanied." TOP "An album of unexpected warmth and variety…an album of the rarest kind, sounding both authentically old and excitingly modern." Mojo "This CD marks an important new high in the burgeoning ‘Celtic’ musical and cultural revival…it’s a collection that will come as a surprise and a delight to lovers of Gaelic song in Ireland and Britain." Irish Music Bho Thir Nan Craobh "Strong, complex, beautiful young voice…diction gorgeous, Gaelic exquisite to the ear." Sing Out "Mary Jane stunned traditional music enthusiasts with her subtle, expert readings of Gaelic folk songs on her debut album." United Press Intl "Mary Jane has great clarity and an impressive command of Gaelic." BBC "… at once splendid and haunting…" The Scots Magazine "Clear-voiced and passionate, Mary Jane conveys a solid sense of the Gaelic culture." The Cape Bretoner "Every once in a while a voice just grabs you. Mary Jane Lamond has one of those voices, rich, low, and clear." Yorkton This Week Performance "One doesn’t attend one of her performances and walk away unaffected; she’s riveting." The Brunswickan "Seeing Mary Jane Lamond and her crack band is a treasure, a life-time memory, an ‘I Was There’ moment." The Coast "Celtic roots and a strong, pure voice spell divadom for Mary Jane Lamond." Toronto Life Fashion "Celtic queen. If you want the Gaelic goods, forget about Ashley and The Rankins, Mary Jane Lamond’s who you’re looking for." Daily News ". . . alternately soothing and commanding performances .. ." NOW Magazine "She set a formidable standard." Celtic Connections "Hypnotic, haunting and so completely different." Niagara Fall Review "She has remarkable range and power, and a wide array of emotions she easily projects in a song." The Star "Canada goes gaga for Gaelic girl...the riveting Mary Jane Lamond." The Edmonton Sun "Lamond is indeed a treasure." Ottawa Citizen "The glorious Gaelic vocals of Mary Jane Lamond." What! A magazine "Outstanding vocalist." Winnipeg Free Press ". . . immaculate vocals that just send the listener into bliss . . her caressing voices takes command. She illustrates why the human voice is considered a noteworthy instrument." San Jose Mercury News ". . . haunting vocals . . ." Press-Telegram (CA) " . . . ethereal female vocal . . ." Advocate (CA) "Vocalist Mary Jane Lamond can handle any material . . ." Fantastic Voyage "Lamond can certainly - and does - reduce the stately Princess of Wales Theatre to a community hall in the best sense of the word." The Toronto Sun (Needfire) "A rich and compelling, capable voice." Times Globe "…exceptional talent…" Ottawa Sun "Effortlessly picking precise notes from the air, Lamond enchants listeners." Pulse Niagara ". . . impressive talent . . . hypnotic rock arrangements . . .soaring voice . . . rhythmically stirring whole . . ." Maclean’s "Seeing Mary Jane and her crack band is a treasure, a life-time memory, an ‘I Was There’ moment." The Coast "I know in my heart that no matter what I say about Mary Jane’s stunning second record, Suas e! I won’t be able to do proper justice to her talent, the creative production, or the feelings her music engenders." The Chronicle Herald " . . astonishing and uniquely moving collection . . ." Toronto Sun "Hypnotic, haunting and so completely different." Niagara Fall Review "Celtic roots and a strong, pure voice spell divadom for Mary Jane Lamond." Toronto Life Fashion "Watch for Lamond to clean up at next year’s nominations for Juno and East Coast Music Awards." Toronto Sun "Impressively, her voice is able to create a full landscape for songs without instrumentation." FFWD "Celtic queen. If you want the Gaelic goods, forget about Ashley and The Rankins, Mary Jane Lamond’s who you’re looking for." Daily News ". . . find a refreshing balance between modern and ancient . . ." The Globe & Mail "Effortlessly picking precise notes from the air, Lamond enchants listeners." Niagara Weekly "Her hypnotic, word-tumbling style is a wicked delight, even if you don’t understand a word." Saturday Night "Aside from her wonderful voice and different collection of songs, Lamond will envelope you in an unknown world of spoken word that is at the same time familiar and welcoming." Pulse Niagara "Celtic and contemporary make magical mix." The Georgia Straight ". . . Lamond’s alternately soothing and commanding performances." NOW