Keane

John Amner was born and died in Ely, Cambridgeshire and worked for the greater part of his life at Ely Cathedral, as a boy chorister and later as informator choristorum. He succeeded some of England’s finest composers such as George Barcroft, John Farrant and Christopher Tye. He received his Bachelor of Music from Oxford with the support of the Earl of Bath in 1613, and also from Cambridge in 1640.

The English music press can never let anyone be. They're always quick to hail the next big thing and, in this case, the next big Coldplay is Keane. Lowgold briefly held that title upon its debut release in 2001, but U.K. critics rushed to give that crown to someone else just because that's what they like to do. Keane didn't ask for it, but perhaps it's the overall majestic presentation of the band's debut album, Hopes and Fears, that does it. That and the fact that the Sussex trio doesn't rely on a formula of lilting melodies and feverish guitars to carry the weight of the album. Keane haven't positioned themselves to be kings of anything, let alone the next Coldplay…

On Night Owl, she is joined by a wealth of veteran Celtic musicians, including John Faulkner (guitar and vocals) and Eoin O'Riabhaigh (uilleann pipes and whistle). In addition to traditional Celtic instruments, Keane's haunting vocals are enriched on this breathtaking recording by the Greek bouzouki, the Olwell bamboo flute, and the cello. The results are extraordinary: lyrics that harken back to days long past find perfect realization through the use of exquisite contemporary arrangements.
~ Alula Records

Essential: a masterpiece of Folk music
Dolores Keane (born 26 September 1953) is an Irish folk singer and occasional actress. She was a founding member of the successful group De Dannan, and has since embarked on a very successful solo career, establishing herself as one of the most loved interpreters of Irish song.