Blackbird from the Willow Sings

praise

"Chad and Shawn’s understanding of traditional music is reflected not only in their arrangements of the traditional pieces but their application of the style to Shawn’s original compositions. My favorite is “Changeling,” in which we hear the smooth, storytelling-like voice of Shawn accompanied by Chad’s masterful work on the wire-strung harp. If one compared this song to a book, Shawn’s lyrics would flow smoothly from the page amidst Chad’s expressive and well-illustrated artwork painted with his self-built 18th century design harp. Equally as pleasing is Shawn’s 'We’ve Done Well.'" 
-- Folk Harp Journal

“Chad McAnally and Shawn McBurnie have pulled off an all-too-rarely accomplished feat with the release of Blackbird from the Willow Sings: they have successfully blended the new and the traditional. Neither stale remakes nor pandering pop approaches can be found here. Aided by Rumgumption bandmate and guitarist Brian Barnes, both musicians have infused exciting lyrical and instrumental takes within a dizzying array of material reflective of Celtic/English styles. Dance, lyricism and balladry are all given the royal treatment by a world class ensemble.”
– Kevin O'Connor, KBEM-FM music director

"Music and song, poetic and deep, ancient and modern, beautifully recorded and performed impeccably, Shawn's warm tones and Chad's virtuoso harp artistry seem to reverberate down the dark tunnel of the ages."
- Dáithí Sproule



"Your new album is transcendent. I love it, I've been listening to it repeatedly..."
- Gerard-Jean Boissy, Wild Sound Studios

"Congratulations for making this significant contribution to the Gaelic harp world."
- Ann Heymann

"I found myself enchanted by the song Clover Wine. I haven’t heard anything that knocked me over like that since the very first time I heard Ian Anderson sing Songs from the Wood."
--Dawn Killen-Courtney

credits

Shawn McBurnie, vocals, bodhran, shruti box; Chad McAnally, Gaelic harp, low whistle; Brian Barnes, guitar; Adam Modares, djembe

Chad McAnally is a fiscal year 2010 recipient of an Artist Initiative Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.