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The twelve bells of Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin are the inspiration for this CD. The bells are rung twice every Sunday, and on special occasions such as the inauguration of the president, or ringing in the New Year. Essentially a Christmas album, this 1991 release features performances by an extraordinary cast of guest musicians sitting in with The Chieftains.
Highlights include "The Wren in The Furze", composed and sung by The Chieftains' own Kevin Conneff, and Elvis Costello's passionate vocal on "The St. Stephen's Day Murders". However, the most moving song on THE BELLS OF DUBLIN is Rickie Lee Jones's version of "O Holy Night". Her low, restrained singing style is entrancing, even sultry. At the song's climax, the sudden conviction of her voice is startling.All the instrumental work on this CD is top-notch, validating traditional Irish music, and making it accessible to modern ears..
Track listing:
1. The Bells of Dublin
2. Past Three O' Clock (with the Renaissance Singers)
3. St. Stephen's Day Murders (with Elvis Costello)
4. Il Est Né/Ca Berger (with Kate and Anna McGarrigle)
5. Don Oíche Úd i mBeithil (with Burgess Meredith)
6. I Saw Three Ships a Sailing (with Marianne Faithfull)
7. A Breton Carol (with Nolwen Monjarret)
8-10 Carols Medley: O The Holly She Bears a Berry, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The Boar's Head
11. The Wexford Carol (with Nanci Griffith)
12. The Rebel Jesus (with Jackson Browne)
13. Skyline Jig
14. O Holy Night (with Rickie Lee Jones)
15-20 Medley "The Wren! The Wren!":
O The Arrival of the Wren Boys
The Dingle Set - Dance
The Wren in the Furze
A Dance Duet - Reels
Brafferton Village/Walsh's Hornpipe
Farewell:
The Piper Through the Meadow Strayed
This is the Season to be Merry
21. Once in Royal David's City
22. Ding Dong Merrily on High
23. O Come All Ye Faithful
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