Anuna Gets Back to Roots

Most people will likely think of Riverdance when they think of Anuna, the vocal group that added an ancient choral feel to some of the production numbers. In reality, the group, founded by brothers John and Michael McGlynn, have been around before the Irish phenomenon and have thrived long after the Riverdance show peaked in popularity.

"I was in Radio City and the buzz was unbelievable, not just because of the ex-pats celebrating St. Patrick's Day," says John McGlynn when asked to recall the heady days of fame during Riverdance's rein.

"We had every major celebrity and politician and they were so proud of the show, saying how it embodied us and defines us as a people. The show definitely portrayed us as a forward thinking people.

"That was great to be a part of, but that Celtic resurgence is long gone. I think audiences are waiting for something to take it to the next level, which is what we are hoping to do with this show."

The show he is referring to is Celtic Origins, which marks the triumphant return of Anuna to American public television. The Celtic Origins TV special includes music written and composed by Michael McGlynn as well as special arrangements of traditional songs.

While PBS must be commended mightily for their airing of Celtic culture during key fundraising times, I am often horrified by what they portray as "real Irish music" in an attempt to pander to Irish American viewers.

The Celtic Woman show was produced in a cotton candy machine with sparkly fairy dust thrown in for good measure, and don't even get me started on the network's bizarre love affair with Donegal crooner Daniel O'Donnell. Neither one of these can be described as an accurate cut of Celtic culture, but in Anuna's Celtic Origins, the channel has finally landed on programming that does our race proud.

At the risk of sounding trite, Anuna's Celtic Origins is full of soothing music to feed the soul without careening into elevator music territory. Rich bass voices blend seamlessly with alto and tenors, their mouths creating a spine chilling wall of sound that relies on little in the way of instrumentation to generate its power.

"I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls" was a huge hit for Enya, and Anuna's vocal treatment is just as pretty. "Scarborough Fair" is a pitch perfect layering of gorgeous male voices, allowing this dusty traditional ditty to sparkle like a fine gem. "Fionnghuala" is a tongue-tying, rapid fire Gaelic ditty delivered with razor precision, guaranteeing a goose bump with each listen.

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Nster.com