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Los Angeles Times	Irish EditionPA	Live Magazine	O.C. Register.
Irish News	Pasadena Weekly	Music Connection	Spin Records
Garageband.com	Daily News	Rock City News	Night Moves
Folk World	Chaos Realm MD	L.A. Xpress


LosAngeles Times " I was blown away by their live performance. Their music blended the instrumentation of Celtic folk music with rock music intensity" -- James Fowler, L.A. Times
_{Irish Edition PA} "Sherdhana's Hand is something of an epic album ... Arrangements, while at times quite intricate, are well laid out, allowing the different sounds to blossom without the feeling of being cluttered. The group is certainly worth a listen." -- Jamie O' Brien
Live Magazine "Finn MacCool's Sherdhana's Hand is a beautiful CD. It manages to mix a myriad of influences into a whole that is satisfying, entertaining, and intelligent . To give some reference points, I heard pieces here that reminded me of Fairport Convention, Jethro Tull, Mike Oldfield, and the New World Renaissance Band. It is described by the band as Celtic Rock and that is apt if Celtic is used in its widest possible context, for this is not strictly Irish music, which Celtic has come to represent lately. There are English, Scottish and even African influences on this work. The musicianship is of the highest calibre, and the listener is transported to another world. The arrangements are very evocative and a lot of work and love has obviously gone into this project. Worth checking out. " -- Martin Brown, Live Magazine
Pasadena Weekly "The pluck of the Irish" Finn MacCool's original repertoire ranges from high speed percussive rockers to softer New-Age flavored numbers. Their shows often utilize eight players. "On stage, Finn MacCool excites with multiple layers of percussion and rhythm, emphasizing the Afro-Celtic connection. Here, songs like "The Dream of the Moonstone" capture some of that spirit. On the CD "Sherdhana's Hand", Howard Leese's (Heart) muscular guitar flashes through "Flying with the Spirits". "Little People", with it's fleet fingerpicking and urgent litany "learn to live not just survive" has a somewhat entrancing effect. The albums strengths lie in "The celts March On" and "Flying with the Spirits". Those passages come closest to capturing the exhilaration of a live Finn MacCool performance. -- Bliss, Pasadena Weekly
O.C.Register. L.A. Finn MacCool features an Irish born singer who captures the spirit of his own Celtic past with rich tunes. Finn MacCool demonstrates an ability to create new musical ground by combining styles from the past and present - from ancestral roots to the Southern California Landscape they call home. Finn MacCool's eight song CD combines traditional Celtic folk with 70's progressive rock sensibilities. Finn MacCool lyricist Kathleen McGowan provides lyrics revolve around mystical and spiritual themes that are a far cry from drinking songs most often associated with Irish bands.- Robert Kinsler. O.C..Register.
Night Moves "Finn MacCool is a group that is set apart from the rest. They incorporate Celtic moods and melodies fused with an early 70's rock tone. They project an ambience in their set with their attire and professional presence on stage. They are so captivating, it is almost as if they swept our listening souls to the lush green rolling hills of Ireland. Finn MacCool produces a powerful impact on any music aficionado" --- Susanne Daveen. Night Moves
Irish News " The line-up is really strong and they are all accomplished musicians" -- Tina Day. Irish News
Music Connection "This band should pursue placing their music as sound tracks" "Probably very entertaining live"
Spin Records.com Finn MacCool is not the stereotypical drinking song, Irish rock band. Finn MacCool is one band that the Internet was made for. Anybody who has a taste for world music, especially with a Celtic influence, will be tempted to get up and do a jig when listening to Finn MacCool. Without the Internet, it would be difficult to access their style.
Rock City News
L.A. Xpress "Full of poetry and wisdom." --- Joey Alkes - L.A. Xpress
Daily News "Their jigs and reels draw you in, but the stories keep you listening."--- Rob Lowman - Daily News
Chaos Realm (Baltimore,MD) FINN MACCOOL - "Sherdhana's Hand" CD '99 - (Private, US) - Hey, this is really a good CD by California's FINN MACCOOL. I would describe it as Celtic rock, laced with a distinct helping of progressive rock. To be more descriptive, I'd say that if Tempest were a much more progressive band, they might sound like this. So, this is a more-than-worthwhile aquisition for anyone interested in either of these genres & beyond. Nice long songs, too! GoTo Chaos Realm
Folkworld Magazine With a band name like Finn MacCool, the listener cannot help but expect Celtic tales of wonder and woe, ranging from the battles fought by William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, to personal dream-wanderings to Tir Na Og. If you're into this sort of thing, then this CD is definitely another to add to your collection. The lyrics revolve around the mystical and spiritual facets of human existence, and the style of music combines 1970s progressive rock with traditional Celtic folk. So if you are adamant that Robbie Williams and Britney Spears are tone-deaf in comparison to Jethro Tull and Fairport Convention, then you wll relish this CD. The band is fronted by Irishman (oh, ay, from Cavan!) Peter McGowan,who sings lead vocals, and plays a medley of instruments ranging from bass to bouzouki and accordion. Then there is Marta Collier, who plays effortlessly on the whistles, bodhran and percussion, David Williams who plays mandolin and guitar, and Pattie Kelly who assists on vocals as well. Reading pas treviews of the band's gigs though, I couldn't help but suspect that their live performances were characterised by something that their CD recording didn't reveal. The band have played in several high schools and colleges, and have earned themselves many an enthusiastic student fan. The tracks themselves are fairly eclectic in style, ranging from the new age ( The Dragon, and The Dream of the Moonstone) to the jangling guitar rock numbers (Listen to the Sky, and Flying with the Spirits). There is no doubt that the band has put a lot of hard work into making this album, from enlisting the help of special guests to play on the tracks, to dressing up in their tailor-made medieval-looking costumes (thanks to friend Donna Collier!) for the glossy photo-shoot. (Do these guys really wear the costumes on stage, is what I want to know!) Finn MacCool have their own website: www.finnmaccool.com, and I'm sure the band would love to hear from anyone interested in their music, so do drop them a line! Kathy Tan To Folkworld Web-Site
These reviews are taken from the garageband.com web-page. Click on a song title or scroll down to read reviews on on each song. Check garageband.comfor the original reviews and more.
*Little P eople Sherdhana's Hand * TheDragon Listen To TheSky * The Dream Of The Moonstone**

Little People


Celtic Candy, very tasty. This is an incredibly wonderful song and I would buy this. It engaged me right at the intro and held me until the very last chord. I hope that this group goes all the way to the top and performs in front of huge audiences. Very polished, and very knowledgeable in music composition and what makes a well constructed piece of music, keep up the good work!! By: Muse - Pleasanton, California	Traditional sound and feel a living breathing music it's a pleasure to review this song this is just a wonderful song it's monday a.m. and it just got a little warmer a little sunnier and more relaxing IT'S SIMPLE SWEET AND PURE thank you By: Mantikos_Gore - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Celtic-Calypso dance on the beach I love the mandolins, whistles, and fiddle - very Celtic in feeling,with a good groove in the bottom. Nice arrangement and production, as well- I particularly liked the acapella ending. I'm not too keen on songs aboutthe Wee Folk, so lyrically I found this a bit challenging, but generally engaging. On the whole a very refreshing track ! Good luck to you ! By: Celt - Irvine, California	Interesting! Kinda unusual to hear a Latin-like beat under a folky/modal offering! I'd like to hear this again to figure out the lyrics. They're a bit tough to catch on 1st hearing..... By: Oboe - New Palestine, Indiana
Potential Now this is original. This song reminds me of a Lord of the dancesong in a country way.. Rob_in_Mist - Dallas, Texas	Here we go great sound, good recording good talent Pump - Sand Springs, Oklahom


Great mix of sounds & color Awesome mix of instruments! Violins & Flute sound great. Nice beat too, you had my toe tapping & head bobbing. Played out a bit long in the end though, save that for live performances... Anonymous - Chicopee, Massachusetts	Uk traditional folk music mutates into progressive rock This starts bit too traditional for me. It gets better when the percussions start and then even better when the electric guitars come in. All in all pretty ambitious, original and well made music. And a surprise ending too! Good work! Guzman_Valdez - Paris, France	One of the best Very nicely done! Great musicianship, nice building upon a musical theme. Weeziel - Buffalo, New York


Makes you want to get up and dance! Don't have any constructive criticism, just praise. It sounds wonderful Satanica - Houston, Texas	Top rated This is very nice work. It sounds radio ready already. Nextdoor - Nashville, Tennessee	Listen to Perfection in KelticCountry! Beautiful application of the Keltic Traditional to the Country genre! The use of flute is not only original, but perfectly off-set with your guitars and fiddle. Your lead male vocal is very skilled with his high quality voice; bring him forward a little more. MgeeBarad - Brentwood, New York


This is really great a very moving track, this has a cool mood to it, kind of a gypsy feel. Supersport - San Francisco, California	You'll be dancing before the first minutes up good irish folk, here. the flute and fiddle parts just knocked me out. really fantastic. at times, the chorus eats up the music, maybe sing the chorus softer. Stewart_meete - Mdtn, New York	Simply the best ,wonderful slainte Daniel - Clarence, Missouri


Good time music for everyone Great sound--makes you want to dance and sing along==Nice work--Love the fiddle. Mookiep - Buffalo, New York	Great Job! This is a very good song and you did it very well. Good Luck with it! MavericTalent - Radcliff, Kentucky	Scottish ballad? I don't know. maybe I shouldn't be reviewing this genre of music because I just don't like it. musicianship is good and so are vocals, but I just don't care for this type of song....sorry Lagger3 - Amboy, Illinois


Sherdhana'sHand


Sherdhana's Hand Page would love the arrangement!! nice musicianship all around!! Enjoyed this! Weeziel - Buffalo, New York	Nice beat and Melody Gobe - Memphis, Tennessee	Could've been a Zeppelin tune very nicely done--good use of the buildup effect--great presentation Mookiep - Buffalo, New York


Makes me feel like I'm in the woods. I dig it. Its like bluegrass Pink Floyd. The fiddle was awesome. I didn't really like the electric guitar with distortion. It seems to methat most people who like this kind of music don't really enjoy heavy distorted music. All things considered, very good tune Frumpnuts - Sonora, California	Kind of a Led Zepplin flavor Celtic Zepplin - a whole new genre. I like the groove and the melody- the only thing(personal taste only) is the 'Year of the Cat' lyic/vocal - not my thing. Overall...Well done with interesting production Seahop - Mill Valley, California	Skating Away Very Jethro Tullish -- if they every do a movie of the week on JT, this band should audition. Nice playing and arranging. It felt a bit dated but not necessarily a bad thing. RVTV - Vashon Island, Washington


I enjoyed this cut... This was one of the hardest 4's I ever gave. This song if I could rate it via this review would be a 4.9. It's that close to perfect. I 'only' thing I could find that kept it from a 5 was a little (and I mean justa little!) lack of passion in the opening vocals. Refinersfire - Williamsport, Pennsylvania	This song will make you want a green beer, instrumentation was excellent. Joelle5 - Denver, Colorado Get Yer Irish Up Laddy!!! Traditional Irish....Very Cool!! Especially A few days after St. Paddy's Day!!! Great Flute Sound!!! Janis - Hazlet, New Jersey	This off the White album, man?? I most expected to be listening to Mother natures son. Weeziel - Buffalo, New York


Full-bodied, refreshing, Celtic and Zepplinesque Very Led Zeppelinesque vocals and guitars, with a tune that makes ya wanna get up and dance (orat least just appreciate life). The Celtic-tinged sound is really full, gradually building throughout the song, and climaxing with an incredible minor chord segment. Lotsa fun. Bennyc - Saugerties, New York	These type songs make it this is a catchy song I like the vocals they were mixed nice. All I can say is keep playing and never stop!! Wizzy - Riverside, Ohio	Away with you, very different. I like to hear people playing what they want to sing. Pump - Sand Springs, Oklahoma


TheDragon


International genre Nice Celtic flavor. Flute on the intro was very tasteful. Hard to categorize this song, it's not Country although lots of Country and Bluegrass borrows from Celtic roots. If there was an international genre, I would have put it in that. Good harmonies and instruments are well played. The ending with the rain in the background and the flute and vocals hitting that high 'B' at different times was a nice touch at first, but then kind of dragged out. Very interesting overall. FenderFan - Charlotte, NC Love the acoustic side Great musicianship all around! Weeziel - Buffalo, New York	Good woodwinds!!! I really liked the flute/woodwinds on this song! Nice a touch! Good vocal. Overall, I liked this song and found myself drawn into it. FolkNoise - Indianapolis, Indiana Dungeon & dragons nice celtic vibe, good picture. nice production. I like real instruments. if it rocked it would be tull like. nice job Littmuze - NYC, New York Well done !!!! I gotta have it on a cd...loved it !! Randolph - Tacoma, Washington	Smooth rhydm i liked the flute at the beginning of it, the lyrics were cool i liked this alot good job Gorillamonsoon - Fresno, California Beautiful song A hypnotic sound. It reminds me of an old song called John Barleycorn. I love the flute. Carlh - Baltimore, Maryland Mellows and hypnotic Love the instruments. True folk music. Love this song! Gentlesay - Circle City, Indiana


Very very well done. It's not really the kind of music I like but wow. Musically it was flawless. The lyrics didn't catch me but for the right audience..... very well done. SteveP - Houston, Texas	A beautiful combination of vocals and flute. The song is beautiful, the vocals are great. SFjavablues - San Francisco, California	Listen through the mists of time ... A spooky D minor piece - very good production, I liked the way the backing built up gradually. A good effort! BeachyHead - Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK


Guitar & flute worth the price of admission great track. sounds celtic. real nice interplay between flute and guitar. finally vocals i can understand. real nice, interesting ending. keep up the hard work. Stewart_meete - Mdtn, New York These type songs make it cool song, i liked it a lot Wizzy - Riverside, Ohio	Stairway to heaven part two Could use some strings in the backround. For more punch in parts. JamiCat - Clearwater, Florida A COOL SOUND GOOD JOB, I REALLY DID LIKE THE SONG, ONE THING THOUGH I WOULDN'T TAG IT AT THE END AS MUCH. Scott - Clinton, Ohio	Dragon's Moan I actually liked the format of this song, the guitar playing, the pennywhistle, even the singing was good. I would have given it top reviews, but it is really a 3 minute song, stretched out to 5 minutes 35 seconds,and that can really be a buzzkill. I don't know if this is a stolen folk melody, but it sounds great, and I liked the subject matter. Lyrically, I think it could use a little rewrite, it seems sparse and repetetive, especially after 5 minutes. But all in all, a pretty origional, good effort. Bigmikebob - Detroit, Michigan


	Celtic at its best... Maybe it's because my wife's family is Scottish or that it's nearly St. Patricks day, but this song is hard to resist. What a great Celticpiece! Interesting story, nice pipes and a great singer and all put together with some great production. The thunder and the wailing pipes at the end is the icing on the cake. Smarttobark - Akron, Ohio	Traffic in ireland love the vocal work, sounds like Traffic's 'John Barleycorn' , the intro immediately grabs you along with the solo, great layering, felt like an irish native american great Dr Blues Anonymous


ListenTo The Sky


HAPPY, HAPPY,JOY,JOY UHHH. I DON'T KNOW. IT'S DIFFERENT. I GIVE YOU CREDIT...YOU'RE DIFFERENT. DO YOU REMEMBER THAT SCENE IN THE TITANIC WHEN ROSE WENT DOWN TO 3RD CLASS TO DANCE WITH THE STEERAGE? THAT SONG THEY WERE PLAYING SOUNDS LIKE YOURS. PRETTY COOL EH? Silvercane - Hasbrouck Heigths, New Jersey	Great work,this is totaly my kind of music. I give you an A++ Lar