A new album of Irish music released on the Celtic Heartbeat/Universal label, Celtic Heartbeat Collection 2 (catalogue number: UD 53122), features Kate’s version of Seán Ó’Riada’s Mná na hÉireann. This track originally appeared on the 1996 various artist’s album Common Ground (Voices Of Modern Irish Music). The album also contains the Christy Moore/Bono/Edge collaboration North & South Of The River (the song reflecting their desire for peace in Northern Ireland), Grammy Award-winning composer Bill Whelan’s “Riverdance.”, and a live version of He Moved Through The Fair by Sinead O’Connor. Also featured are choral ensemble Anuna, Dublin-based septet Kila, Celtic composers Michael & Jeff Danna, male traditional singer Sean Keane, traditional group Lunasa, noted Irish singer Frances Black and young accordion player Luke Daniels. Ambient band, The Spirit Of Eden, are Celtic Heartbeat’s most recent signing; they contribute two tracks—”Compassion” and “Legend Of Cuan,” from their soon-to-be-released debut. The compilation will be available in major and specialist record stores in the USA. European release dates will vary and an Irish release is scheduled for the end of March. I’ve put together a report on Kate’s version of Mná na hÉireann here.
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