Is An Irish Evening a good place to start with The Chieftains?

Yes, An Irish Evening is recommended as a starting point for new The Chieftains listeners. A vibrant blend of traditional Irish melodies interwoven with contemporary folk influences and engaging performances from celebrated guest artists. Released in 1990, An Irish Evening came out during The Chieftains' period of international acclaim, following their Grammy-winning album, Celtic Odyssey. This live album captures the band's unique ability to bridge the gap between traditional Irish music and modern interpretations, solidifying their reputation as cultural ambassadors of Irish sound.

Who is An Irish Evening for?

An Irish Evening works well if you're into joyful communal celebration atmosphere, rich storytelling through melodies and danceable rhythms that invite movement.

How many songs are on An Irish Evening?

An Irish Evening has 13 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

An Irish Evening

The Chieftains

71 min · 13 tracks · folk music

A vibrant blend of traditional Irish melodies interwoven with contemporary folk influences and engaging performances from celebrated guest artists.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Opening Medley: Dóchas / King of Laois / Paddy’s Jig / O’Keefes / Chattering Magpie Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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North Amerikay — This track stands out for its lively arrangement and storytelling lyrics that reflect themes of migration and nostalgia, capturing the spirit of Irish expatriates in America.
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Red Is the Rose — The emotional depth of this rendition highlights the Chieftains' adeptness at conveying timeless love stories through haunting melodies and harmonies.
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Raglan Road — This track is a poignant interpretation of a beloved poem set to music, showcasing both lyrical beauty and the band's skill in blending poetry with melody.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

joyful communal celebration atmosphere
rich storytelling through melodies
danceable rhythms that invite movement
warmth of traditional instrumentation

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced modern sounds
seek heavy production

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — Debut album introducing The Chieftains' traditional Irish sound to new listeners.
Themes: Irish expatriate nostalgia· traditional melodies· poetic storytelling
Career context: Released in 1990, An Irish Evening came out during The Chieftains' period of international acclaim, following their Grammy-winning album, Celtic Odyssey. This live album captures the band's unique ability to bridge the gap between traditional Irish music and modern interpretations, solidifying their reputation as cultural ambassadors of Irish sound.
Stylistic neighbors: The Bothy Band· Altan· Lúnasa

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Tracklist

1 Opening Medley: Dóchas / King of Laois / Paddy’s Jig / O’Keefes / Chattering Magpie Start here 9:18
2 North Amerikay 4:08
3 Lilly Bolero / The White Cockade 3:11
4 Little Love Affairs 2:59
5 Red Is the Rose 3:26
6 The Mason’s Apron 5:20
7 The Stone: A Special Dance for When Two Lovers Meet 6:32
8 Miscellany: Theme From Tristan and Isolde / Súisín Bán / Good Morning Nightcap / The Galway Races / The Jolly Tinker 8:55
9 Raglan Road 5:22
10 Behind Blue Eyes 4:24
11 Medley: Ó Murchú’s Hornpipe / Sliabh Geal gCua na Féile / The Wandering Minstrel 4:17
12 Damhsa (feat. Jean Butler) 2:59
13 Rachamíd a Bhean Bheag / Ford Econoline (feat. Nanci Griffith) / Any Old Iron (feat. Roger Daltrey) 10:20