Clannad Key Sounds Label

Compiled in conjunction with Clannad band members, In A Lifetime includes all the hits and two new songs ‘A Celtic Dream’ and ‘Who Knows (Where The Time Goes)’ both produced by Trevor Horn.

Pastpresent is an anthology spanning five Clannad albums from 1982 to 1989. The full range of the band's styles are presented here, from the gorgeous a cappella song that opens the album, to slick pop/rock, acoustic guitar ballads, Irish folk strains, and sophisticated power pop crunch. Along the way, we are treated to a lyrical harp and flute instrumental, several songs sung in Gaelic, and two new pieces (recorded, in part, at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios), designed to make this retrospective a collector's item. Pastpresent, clocking in at 65 minutes, succeeds in offering an overview of the many faces of this seminal Irish group.

Lou Donaldson and the Three Sounds both had a tendency to slip into low-key grooves, which is what makes the hard-driving bop of the opener "Three Little Words" a little startling. Donaldson is at a fiery peak, spinning out Bird-influenced licks that nevertheless illustrate that he's developed a more rounded, individual style of his own. The Three Sounds are equally as impressive, working bop rhythms with a dexterity that their first albums only hinted at. That high standard is maintained throughout the album, one of the finest in either of their catalogs…

Soul Symphony was the last album cut by the Three Sounds, of which pianist Gene Harris remained the only original member. Bassist Andy Simpkins left after 1968's wonderful Elegant Soul LP, and was replaced on this date by "the Skipper," Henry Franklin. This date is a direct follow-up to its predecessor, in that Monk Higgins returns to orchestrate and arrange a large string group; he co-produced the set with Dee Ervin. Also returning from the previous session is the criminally under-recognized vibraphonist/percussionist Alan Estes. In addition, David Duke and Art Maebe alternately played French horn, Buddy Collette guests on flutes, Freddy Robinson appears on guitars, and the Specialties Unlimited - vocalists Clydie King, Mamie Galore, and Alex Brown - are utilized. In other words, other than a second drummer, Soul Symphony shares a nearly identical setup with Elegant Soul…

Flowing melodic impressions soothe and relax your body and your mind. You are transported to a magical place as warm and soothing and fragrant as you could ever emagine. You are filled with a sense of serenity and well being that nourishes your soul. The warm Summer wind carries to you in perfect harmony the haunting howling of the wolf and the soothing melodies of the piano, woodwins, and strings creating an atmosphere of total peace and tranquility.