The Chieftains & Van Morrison - Irish Heartbeat (Original Recording) Audio CD | Authentic Celtic Folk Music | Perfect for St. Patrick's Day & Irish-Themed Gatherings

I originally purchased this CD around 1989 and was immediately captivated by the power & soulfulness of Van Morrison's vocals combined with the excellent musicianship (and vocals) of The Chieftains. This CD is composed of traditional Irish ballads with two original songs by Mr. Morrison; "Irish Heartbeat" & "Celtic Ray". The other songs are wonderfully arranged by Messrs. Morrison & Moloney. The CD begins with the jaunty "Star Of The County Down", and it's the perfect beginning to get you into this wonderful Irish world. I'm very partial to great lyrics, so I'm immediately drawn in with this first verse of the CD: "In Banbridge Town in the County Down one morning last July, from a boreen green came a sweet Colleen and she smiled as she passed me by. She looked so sweet from her two bare feet to the sheen of her nut brown hair. Such a coaxing elf, sure I shook myself for to see I was really there." How can you not be immediately captured when you hear Mr. Morrison (ably assisted by Mr. Conneff) sing such words? While I love every song on this CD, it isn't hard to pick a favorite; "Carrickfergus". It moved me to tears 25 years ago, just as it did last week. No Van Morrison collection or Chieftains collection is complete without this fantastically lovely CD.