Product Description

FROM THE CREATORS AND PRODUCERS OF THE IRISH PHENOMENON CELTIC WOMAN COMES THE NEXT GENERATION IN IRISH BALLAD MUSIC, THE HIGH KINGS. Finbarr Clancy, Martin Furey, Brian Dunphy and Darren Holden - renowned vocalists and musicians - have come together to form the hottest Irish folk and ballad group to emerge since The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem electrified the worldwide folk revival of the 1960s. The musical producer is the highly acclaimed David Downes, who is the musical genius behind Celtic Woman and formerly the musical director of Riverdance. He brings intricate harmonies and driving rhythms to The High Kings songbook, giving them a freshness and sparkle that is infectious. A rousing TV special was filmed in Dublin and is available on DVD (The High Kings: Live in Dublin).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27544 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-02-26
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, Live, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Thank you, David Downes, for Doing it Again!
At this point, I think people associate David Downes with the Internationally sensational group, Celtic Woman. In that group, what started as a humble beginning, the act of putting together an incredible show for PBS, grew into a world-renowned and world-loved music.

Well, he did it again. Each of these singers and performers are true musicians- they sing, they play, they come from families of musicians, and they perform in such a way that leaves the audience breathless after each song- either because of the excitement in the song, such as "Marie's Wedding", "Phil the Fluther's Ball", "Rocky Road to Dublin" (to name a few); or by the gentle longing harmonies found in "Galway to Graceland", "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore", and "The Parting Glass".

One point I would like to emphasize- this is by no means an attempt to make masculine Celtic Woman; this is not Celtic Man. This is a group of men who each bring a unique sound to make wonderful harmonies found in each of these songs on the DVD. Celtic Woman has a healthy blend of multi-cultural songs- classics, modern, new, and traditional folk ballads. The High Kings only perform Irish ballads, and they bring great credit to the songs they perform.

These songs are not lullabies, by any stretch of the imagination (IMO). "Marie's Wedding" and "Phil the Fluther's Ball" (which makes Brian Dunphy sound like a Celtic Elvis- fantastic!) left my heart racing after I heard them one night (OK, about the 4th or 5th time that night)- I honestly got about 2 hours of sleep after listening to these songs. But that's how good they are. If music can make the listener excited and provoke emotion and enthusiasm, the job of the "music-makers" is fulfilled. If that were the job-description of the High Kings: to leave the listeners and audiences breathless, excited, happy, joyful, then their job is complete.

This music, while the songs are Irish ballads, are not solely meant for the Irish or for those with Irish blood. These are meant for all people to enjoy. Great music does not discriminate among gender, age, or race; and this is great music.

Staging is Supreme as is their Singing
We are fans of Ireland and Irish music. The DVD of The High Kings in Dublin has such great harmonies, clear voices, great staging of bag pipes, dancing so closely tied to the music, and much more. The selection of songs is great and the four men move in the Irish tradition.
The CD can not cover the contribution of movements on stage.

I rate this the best DVD I have seen, although I am a great fan of the old Irish Tenors.

A great selection of songs. The movements on stage and the contribution of the audience make this a great show.

The High Kings...HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Sorry to say that I've never heard of this group before. But I saw them on PBS TV last night and I was so blown away by these guys, that I just had to buy the DVD and CD today so I can watch and listen to them any time I want. I was so mesmerized by their voices, the song choices, the Bodhrans (Irish drums) and a even little Irish dancing!!!

Watching this program, it brought back wonderful memories of my Grandfather. He came to the US in the early 1900's from County Cork, Ireland so I was raised by listening to Celtic music and watching him dance his Irish jig...especially after taking some wee sips of the Irish whiskey!!!

To wrap this comment up, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this to anyone who loves Celtic/Irish music!!!