The Holy Ground

The Holy Ground is Mary Black's first completely successful attempt to blend the pop and traditional sides of her musical personality. Even though the music itself contains few overt Celtic references--the only traditional instruments used are the occasional fiddle or tin whistle--Black's supple soprano is so unmistakably Irish that she could sing in front of a kazoo orchestra and you would know she was from Dublin. Black is not a songwriter, but she has a gift for choosing the perfect song to match her voice, including some from contemporary folk music's strongest songwriters like John Gorka, Gerry O'Beirne, and Jesse Winchester. Also included are a handful of songs from Noel Brazil, a songwriter Black has turned to time and again, and a lovely version of Sandy Denny's "One Way Donkey Ride." Irish music purists may dismiss the music of Mary Black as modern pop music, but her magnificent voice and soulful delivery are deeply rooted in the Celtic tradition, and her renditions of traditional songs such as the title track rank among the finest modern performances of these ancient melodies. --Michael Simmons