From The Oregonian Gussied-up Celtic

[Don]

Gussied-up Celtic
Friday, May 11, 2007

The name is half right: Celtic Woman isn't just one person, but the female ensemble certainly draws on Celtic tradition.

The four singers and one fiddle player create music that relies on the strong, almost operatic voices of its members, resulting in a blend of solos and harmonies that's seen them become particular favorites among public broadcasting fans.

Nevertheless, despite platinum sales and a string of successful tour dates, the band's longevity was an unintended consequence. They initially came together for a one-off show filmed in Ireland in 2004. The singers hadn't all met before the performance, and their rehearsals were far from extensive. Nevertheless, the group stayed together, and their ethereal, often folksy mix of contemporary and classic songs has earned them legions of fans. Last year, for example, their Christmas album replaced their debut album at the top of Billboard's world music chart, after an 82-week run. Their latest album, "A New Journey," now holds the top slot.

In performance, the drama sometimes overwhelms the music, a sense of showmanship that minimizes the spontaneous. But if the polish on their work can come across as a little blinding, it's hard to deny the power that underlies their voices and instrumentation of Celtic Woman.

8 p.m. Friday, Rose Garden arena's Theater of the Clouds; $45-$67.50, www.rosequarter.com.

-- Luciana Lopez
_________________
Always Remember All Things Are Possible With God !!