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Celtic Woman slammed in Boston Globe review

Posted on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 10:17 PM

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Celtic Woman has been slammed by the Boston Globe in a nasty review that says "If your ideal is a concert that exudes something more than mere spectacle, a show that brims with verve, tension, and a spontaneous, genuine energy that is not choreographed to within an inch of its life, then Celtic Woman falls short."

Is it possible to be too perfect or too polished? Ask Boston Globe music critic Jonathan Perry, who then states clearly that it is, and Celtic Woman are.

"Despite the strong voices and relentlessly feel-good messages of love and togetherness, what was missing from a show calibrated to be perfect was a depth of feeling. Celtic Woman may have been singing from the heart, but one wishes they sang more from their soul and gut.

"Of course, perfection and what constitutes it are in the eye and ear of the beholder. And if one’s idea of musical perfection is a flashy, flawlessly executed spectacle with all the glitz, glamour, and dry ice of a Super Bowl halftime show, then Celtic Woman comes pretty close," the review continues.

"If, on the other hand, your ideal is a concert that exudes something more than mere spectacle, a show that brims with verve, tension, and a spontaneous, genuine energy that is not choreographed to within an inch of its life, then Celtic Woman falls short.

"Celtic Woman delivered exactly what many expected," he wrote "a seamless 95 minutes of high-gloss entertainment that showcased each performer’s sleekly pitch-perfect voice and equal ability to wear an evening gown to stunning effect.

"Although violinist Máiréad Nesbitt sometimes resembled a crazed marionette, her whirling dervish animation lent spark to the hermetically sealed proceedings."

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RogRev | Jun 04, 2012, 05:07 PM EDT

I am a 70-year-old retired pastor and I am blessed every time I hear music by the present or former members of CW, the former members including Meav ni Mhaolchatha, Orla Fallon, Hayley Westenra and Lynn Hilary. I have most of their group and individual CDs as well as recordings by Anuna with whom Meav, Orla and Lynn used to sing before their CW days. I have played some of their songs as sermon illustrations, the most memorable being when I played Chloe Agnew's "The Prayer" (with permission) at the baptism of a beautiful baby girl also named Chloe.

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lovelivemusic | Mar 11, 2012, 07:06 PM EDT

I've learned not to listen to the critics. I was totally enthralled by the performance and to say Mairead was like a marionette shows me that the critic must not appreciate a top notch fiddler (who by the way used to tour with Michael Flatley - but this particular critic probably hated him too). I hope this critic isn't going to be reviewing Neil Diamond when he comes to town!

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Dompedro | Mar 16, 2010, 05:33 PM EDT

and then there are the guys in their undershirts beating the drums

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Madeleine | Mar 16, 2010, 03:50 PM EDT

I love their shows, I have not had the pleasur of seeing them in person, if they come to Chicago I will. I ignore the critics, everyone perceives things differently.Nothing wrong with beauty and perfection.

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tbchosken | Mar 16, 2010, 06:45 AM EDT

I am always suspicious of shows like this that include so much "spectacle." I enjoy watching them on television, but I am not sure I would spend the money to see a live performance.

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knowthyself | Mar 16, 2010, 02:33 AM EDT

Celtic Women was Great 2 hr Show lot of talent was there , the Girls looked and sounded wonderful. That little Pixie Mairead Nesbitt played the Fiddle and Flew around the stage like Tinkerbell, She was Great. The show was very up beat . I don't pay any credence to critics like Joanthan Perry Most talk through their arse

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Terry Knock | Mar 15, 2010, 07:50 PM EDT

The critic was kind, the lack of anything "real" is so overwhelming I feel sad for the performers--this show has nothing to do with "real" Irish music, which is all about soul.

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beachline | Mar 15, 2010, 06:21 PM EDT

What crown do they represent??? I think you are mistaken! Celtic Woman is a distinctly IRISH group who ,individually are very talented in their own right. Jonathan Perry is entitled to his opinion, but, perhaps he should save his reviews for the howling, electronically enhanced rappers, screamers, etc. that we hear today.

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Celtica43 | Mar 15, 2010, 06:07 PM EDT

Yes!

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flutey2101 | Mar 15, 2010, 05:14 PM EDT

I completely disagree. And this is a perfect example why I do not listen to critics. Don't be swayed by their comments. I have seen live performances of Celtic Woman and they put on a grand show.

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sissybiff | Mar 15, 2010, 04:28 PM EDT

Hey, it's all about marketing and their staff work overtime at that. My advice:skip the show, save money, buy the CD. The PBS productions are lipsynched and present a very "stiff" performance.

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dessieglynn | Mar 15, 2010, 04:10 PM EDT

I am curious. What crown do they represent.?? They are not my cup of tea. But it is a good show.

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mumbleyou | Mar 15, 2010, 03:10 PM EDT

I have only seen the PBS special and had heard such great things about the group. It took me until about half way through, anticipating that the performance would improve and didn't. I was rather disappointed with the show. Maybe this wasn't a great example but I am willing to give them another try.

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colodrmnange | Mar 15, 2010, 02:28 PM EDT

I am unsure as to what the critic has against this group. I mean really does he at all understand that different cultures allow only certain things. I know that they are under a strict regimin and must adhere to it. They do after all represent the crown. Its too bad he cannot see all of the hard work that goes into the show to appreciate it.

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ciarrai | Mar 15, 2010, 01:01 PM EDT

Why do the Celtic Women all have blonde hair? Maybe they are Swedish Women. I have always encountered many gorgeous brunettes and redheads. What's up wit dat?

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