The Ships That Sailed

The Ships That Sailed is a unique collection of instrumental arrangements based on traditional, sacred Celtic hymns and songs. Recorded in Ireland by an exceptional ensemble of musicians, it captures - and celebrates - the great spiritual and musical heritage of the Irish.

The title refers to the vessels that carried thousands of Irish across the Atlantic to the United States in search of a better life. Tom's grandmother was on one of the ships that sailed, in 1916. His piece by the same title is an evocative, three-movement musical portrait of the "American wake" and other festivities the night before the journey, the journey on board the ship-with music and dancing to help pass the time - and finally the joyous, long-awaited landing in America.

As Tom explains, "The music in my heart comes from many places, but it clearly is rooted in this land of my ancestry. The 'soul' of the music of Ireland also comes from many experiences, especially the many years of hardship that persisted. The pervasive sense of melancholy in Celtic music gives way to unbridled joy that sends one soaring."

At times boisterous and mirthful, at times subdued and meditative, this album captures the Celtic-Irish soul in full color. Quick-stepping reels, jigs and other dance pieces alternate with wistful, melancholic ballads and sumptuous instrumental versions of classic tunes such as "Be Thou My Vision" (SLANE) and "Morning Has Broken" (BUNESSAN). The collection also includes secular slides and reels, two new compositions by Tom, a traditional American folk tune and an African-American spiritual. Beautifully recorded, it features traditional Celtic wind, string and percussion instruments, including fiddle, box accordion, harp, guitar, uillean pipes, whistles and flutes. Several tracks feature ethereal vocals in Gaelic.

An excellent background for prayer and meditation -- but great for listening at any time -- The Ships That Sailed is a touching, personal testament to the special contributions of the Irish to our music and our faith.