The Chieftains in China cover

The Chieftains in China

The Chieftains · 1985

55 min · 11 tracks · folk

Traditional Irish music meets Chinese instrumentation, creating a rich tapestry of cultural exchange and melodic exploration.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • cultural exploration through sound
  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • melodic storytelling across traditions
  • patient unfolding of themes

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification
  • desire for standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1985, 'The Chieftains in China' marked a unique moment in The Chieftains' career as they expanded their global influence. This album followed their successful works in the 1970s and early 1980s, showcasing their willingness to blend traditional Irish folk with international sounds, particularly emphasizing their interest in Asian musicality.
Stylistic neighbors
The Bothy Band· Altan· Lúnasa

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Full of Joy 2:32
  • 2 In a Suzhow Garden – Slán le Máighe 3:34
  • 3 If I Had Maggie in the Wood 3:23
  • 4 The Reason for My Sorrow – ’Sé Fáth Mo Bhuartha 3:35
  • 5 The Chieftains in China 11:46
  • 6 In a Suzhow Garden – Slán le Máighe 3:28
  • 7 Planxty Irwin 2:57
  • 8 Off the Great Wall 5:23
  • 9 A Tribute to O’Carolan 10:53
  • 10 The Wind From the South – An Gaoth Aneas 3:22
  • 11 China to Hong Kong 4:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata