MP3 Donal Hinely - Glass Stories

A hypnotic mixture of traditional and original instrumentals infused by the unique sound of the glass harmonica accompanied by cello and guitar.

14 MP3 Songs
EASY LISTENING: Mood Music, FOLK: Traditional Folk



Details:
Infused by the unique sound of the glass harmonica, Glass Stories (2004) presents a hypnotic mixture of traditional and original music accompanied by cello and guitar. Glass Stories is Texas singer/songwriter Donal Hinely's third CD with Nashville producer and cellist David Henry who has worked with a wide range of artists including Cowboy Junkies, Josh Rouse, Vienna Teng, and Guster. The music Hinely coaxes from his home-made instrument--often called the glass harmonica--is lilting and ethereal. The haunting tones are produced by rubbing wet fingers across the rims of water-tuned wine glasses and brandy snifters and bring to mind the sound of a violin, a flute, an organ, or even at times a steel drum. On this offering, the glasses and cello blend to breathe new life to such classics as "Loch Lomond", "Ashokan Farewell", "Lord of the Dance", "The Parting Glass, " and the Beatles favorite "Strawberry Fields Forever." There are also a good number of original pieces including the standout title track and the Henry penned "Coffee Drinker's Lullaby." The marriage of the glasses with Henry's stellar cello seems a natural one with each instrument occupying its own harmonic range yet complimenting each other perfectly. The overall mood is quiet and reflective, though Hinely's "The Shakes" and "Not in Kansas Anymore" and Henry's aforementioned "Lullaby" are playful without breaking the spell. Hinely learned the obsolete art of glass playing --which dates back to the days of Mozart-- from his older brother Terry Hinely, a self taught glass player. Together in 1988 they formed Glasnots, a group which played traditional Irish and original music and featured Terry on the glasses and Donal on guitar and vocals. In 1994, Donal moved to Nashville to pursue his career as a singer/songwriter but continued to record and perform with Glasnots. In the spring of 1997, Terry Hinely was killed in a car accident. The following year, Donal picked up the instrument that his brother had pioneered and today carries on the family tradition, playing an eclectic repertoire of traditional tunes from the British Isles, classical music, and original compositions for thousands of people each year at festivals, street fairs, and special events. Hinely has also earned recognition for his stirring songs and honest performances as a singer/songwriter Nashville. His 2003 release We Built a Fire was on several top ten Americana lists and was praised by both mainstream and independent press.