Colin Randall writes: I came across my copy of this groundbreaking fusion of superstar rock and top-drawer Irish traditional music while sorting through my substantial collection of old vinyl. Thirty-seven years on it still feels fresh and thoroughly deserving of a Salut! Live Album of the Month accolade….
On a Sunday evening in October 1988, John Peel introduced a concert where the quality of the performance would match the splendour of the Royal Albert Hall.
The combination of the Chieftains’ exquisite virtuosity and Van Morrison’s brooding magneticism shaped one of the most enthralling live experiences I have encountered.
The concert was based on their album, Irish Heartbeat, arguably the most triumphant of all the richly rewarding collaborations of the Chieftains’ career. Ten of the tracks – the title and Celtic Ray, both written by Morrison, plus eight traditional or traditional-sounding items – were also included among the 21 pieces in the concert’s setlist.
Salut! Live’s Bill Taylor and I had a lively dispute about the album. Essentially it boils down to his belief that no one has ever sung Carrickfergus or Raglan Road better than Morrison on this record, and mine that this is not the case
Where I do agree with Bill is that taken as a whole, Irish Heartbeat is a masterpiece. That judgement does not require each track to be a superior version of the song or tune.
It simply comes together in an irresistible form, bursting (as did the concert) with energy and genuine excitement. And my rediscovery of its charm means it will played in the car as often as Madame Salut allows on our imminent 1,000-mile trek to the south of France.
** In the summer of 1988, I wrote this review of the album for The Daily Telegraph
My album of the year nominations for the Telegraph had not yet begun but I did write later that year that Irish Heartbeat might well be remembered as the folk record of 1988.
Tracklist:
Star of the County DownRaglan RoadI’ll Tell Me MaCarrickfergusCeltic RayMy Lagan Love
Marie’s Wedding
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