ROOTS OF RIVERDANCE UD53106

Bill Whelan compiled ROOTS OF RIVERDANCE, a collection of 12 titles to provide an insight into his innovative approach to Irish music. This important album chronicles the musical history and myriad of cultural influences which inspired him to write the acclaimed "Riverdance."

ROOTS features the tracks "Caracena" and "The Coast Of Galicia" from Whelan's first major orchestral composition THE SEVILLE SUITE, along with two tracks from the soundtrack to the film "Some Mother's Son," also fully composed by Whelan. Also included are selections from the EASTWIND album, his collaboration with Davy Spillane into the world of Eastern European music, and new music recorded from his commissioned orchestral work "The Spirit Of Mayo."

TRACK LIST

Click track names to listen to 30 sec MP3

1. Timedance
2. Cill LiaDain
3. The Countess Cathleen / Woman of the Sidhe
4. Illyrian Dawn
5. The Coast of Galicia
6. Bridge Attack
7. The Deserted Village
8. Caracena
9. Mystic Seacliffs
10. The Seabird
11. Chetvorno Horo
12. Riverdance

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

"Thanks to his verve and spark, Whelan's interpretations never go stale" USA Today

"(Whelan's) original compositions are rooted in tradition through use of uniquely Irish instruments" Irish Echo

The Roots Of Riverdance - * * *
The Seville Suite - * * *
Detroit Press

"Bill Whelan has a fine new album chronicling the origins of that dance spectacular as well as his other music" - Denver Post

The Roots Of Riverdance - * * *
LA Times

"Whelan's melodic themes are strong and vibrant. Whelan has captured the spirit of Irish music tradition well here..." - St Petersburg Times