Clannad - Crann Ull

(February 2007) Ar A Ghabhail 'N A 'Chuain Damh * The Last Rose Of Summer * Cruscin Lán * Bacach Shile Andai * Lá Coimhthioch Fan Stuath (A Strange Day In The Countryside) * Crann Ull * Gathering Mushrooms * Bunan Bui * Planxty Browne

This is the group's fourth album, and as well as their distinctive vocal styleit shows off Máire's harp playing and also features a fuller band sound which was a feature of their live shows at the time.

Clannad, who hail from Co. Donegal in the North West of Ireland, take their name from the Gaelic word for 'family', which is most appropriate for when they started out playing in their farther Leo's bar about 1970 Maire Brennan was accompanied by her brothers Ciaran (vocals, guitar, bass), Pol (guitar, percussion, flute, vocals) and two of their uncles, Padraig Duggan (guitar, vocals, mandolin) and Noel Duggan (guitar, vocals).

The Brennans come from a very musical family, their father Leo was a former cabaret band leader and their mother was a school teacher who ran the local choir.

With their reputation growing at a steady pace they began playing folk festivals in Ireland. In 1973 they released their first album simply titled "Clannad' which showed a band aware of the Irish music of the time, there was a taste of modern influences as well as traditional songs, sung in the Irish language. In 1975 they released their second album 'Clannad Two' which was produced by Donal Lunny of Planxty and Bothy Band fame.

This was followed the following year by the Dúlamám album. By this time the group's reputation was spreading throughout Europe where standing ovations were commonplace. At this point they came to the attention of Tara who recorded their next album 'Crann Ull' which in addition to featuring Máire's harp playing also featured a fuller band sound which was a feature of their live shows at the time.

In 1981 they recorded their second album with Tara 'Fuaim' (meaning Sound). For this album they were joined by their sister Enya on keyboards and vocals. Fuaim' album the group introduced an even bigger sound with the use of synthesiser, electric guitar, clarinet, saxophone and percussion.

The following year Enya left the group to pursue a solo career and the band set about recording their 'Magical Ring' album (which included 'Harry's Game'). This was to prove a major turning point in their career, shooting them to stardom and worldwide recognition.