Melanie O'Reilly
Studio Promo. 1993. Photo copyright marc marnie.
"Tir na Mara is an innovative blend of Celtic songs tinged with jazz.
The result is an album of haunting spirituality, a series of soundscapes that
place Melanie firmly in the pantheon of creative Irish singers".
"Van Morrison is obviously the man when it comes to the question of fusing jazz influences with Irish rock-pop and roots music. However it is a field one would love to see further developed, and that's exactly what Melanie O'Reilly does on her latest album, Tir na Mara. And yes, the result is deliciously idiosyncratic". - HOT PRESS
"Undoubtedly one of the major talents to emerge in recent times, Melanie O'Reilly possesses a voice which is rich and resonant, and a song-writing talent which is going to ensure that we hear a lot more of her in the future. But Tir na Mara is more than just a promise of future greatness. In itself it represents one of the year's most mature and moving releases. The songs, in Irish and English provide a captivating mix of ancient and modern ambiences.... In the final reckoning though it's Melanie's soulful voice which wins the day". - IN DUBLIN