This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Daniel M.  Congrats!

Prior to my son’s birth, my husband and I spent about 8 months living, working and traveling overseas.  Much of that time was spent in Edinburgh, where I worked as a nurse.  If you asked me what the word “Celtic” meant prior to living in Scotland, I would have greeted you with a blank stare.  Today, I not only know much about the Celtic people, we chose a Celtic middle name for our son.

While I lived abroad, I had plenty of exposure to Celtic music…we even managed to see the Tattoo.  I recently had an opportunity to review Celtic Woman:  Songs From the Heart.  I like music in diverse genres, so I was pretty open to what I was going to hear.  Here is a bit of information from the site:

[Celtic Woman is a] five-member Irish female ensemble [putting] a modern twist on the Celtic Sound.  Beautifully capturing the pure essence of Celtic Woman, this new musical experience showcases the celestial sounds of vocalists Lisa Kelly, Chloë Agnew, Lynn Hilary and Alex Sharpe along with the dynamic inventiveness of Celtic Violinist Máiréad Nesbitt. The Songs from the Heart CD and DVD include contemporary hits like Mariah Carey’s “When You Believe” and Billy Joel’s “Goodnight My Angel” as well as the Irish classics “Galway Bay” and “My Lagan Love”.

When I first put the CD in my car, I was expecting something completely different.  The music is beautiful…and more contemporary than I thought it would be.  I love the diverse use of instruments.  You’ll hear bagpipes, wind instruments (flutes, I think), fiddles, violins, bongos and a piano (I’m certain there are more that I didn’t list).  The vocalists (especially the lead) have the most amazing voices.  I love the way they harmonize, especially when they sing Amazing Grace (which you must listen to).  The CD features their own renditions of contemporary, well-known songs, Irish classics, and original compositions.  Apart from Amazing Grace, my favorite song on the CD is When You Believe.  I honestly cannot imagine anyone singing it as beautifully as Mariah Carey, however, this rendition is just as incredible.  Some of the songs are upbeat while others slower and melodic.

People often have a misconception of Celtic music.  Celtic Woman and their music is so popular, they were invited to perform on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars and their PBS TV specials have dominated the broadcast airwaves over the past five years. This album was #9 on the Billboard Top 200 (it’s currently at #35).  The group is currently on tour to over 75 cities which will include two nights at Radio City Music Hall.

For more information on their tour dates, just visit their site.

Win It! One of you will win a Celtic Woman: Songs from the Heart Deluxe Experience CD which includes an 18-month desktop calendar, heart charm keepsake and VIP access to a virtual Celtic Woman community.  Simply leave me a comment with your favorite track.  Comments will close on March 4, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received the CD, courtesy of Music Moms, to facilitate this review.