As winter gracefully retreats, making way for the blossoming of spring, the much-anticipated St. Patrick’s Day approaches, heralding celebrations of Irish culture worldwide. In harmonious tribute to this cherished tradition, deeply intertwined with the color green and all things Irish, the acclaimed artist Loreena McKennitt is thrilled to announce the arrival of her latest vinyl LP, A Mummer’s Dance Through Ireland.
This captivating album is a curated collection of 10 Irish-themed songs, thoughtfully handpicked by Loreena from her extensive repertoire. Among the featured tracks is the globally recognized U.S. hit single remix of “The Mummers’ Dance,” alongside beloved fan favorites such as “Bonny Portmore,” “Stolen Child,” and “The Old Ways.”
Adding a touch of visual delight and thematic resonance, the 140-gram vinyl itself, expertly pressed at Record Industry in the Netherlands, is presented in a striking transparent green hue – perfectly embodying the spirit of the Emerald Isle.
For enthusiasts in the U.S., A Mummer’s Dance Through Ireland is exclusively available through Barnes & Noble. Canadian fans can find it exclusively at Sunrise Records. Select retail locations across Europe will also carry this special release.
This new offering is poised to be a welcome addition to Loreena’s vinyl catalog, particularly for vinyl aficionados and dedicated followers. Echoing a trend highlighted by The New York Times in a June 2023 article, vinyl has surged to become the music industry’s leading physical format. This resurgence is fueled by fans who prize vinyl for its collectibility, superior sound quality, and the tangible connection it offers to music in our increasingly digital world.
Furthermore, the album celebrates the enduring allure of Irish music, elevated by Loreena’s distinctive artistic sensibility. In her own words, reflecting on her deep connection to this genre, Loreena shares, “I didn’t choose to follow Irish music. I didn’t choose my direction or my destination, it chose me.”
Side One
Bonny Portmore (The Visit)
Stolen Child (Elemental)
Huron ‘Beltane’ Fire Dance (Parallel Dreams)
Dickens’ Dublin (The Palace) (Parallel Dreams)
The Mummers’ Dance (Remix Version) (The Book of Secrets)
Side Two
The Old Ways (The Visit)
The Ballad of the Fox Hunter (Lost Souls)
The Star of the County Down (The Wind That Shakes The Barley)
The Lark in the Clear Air (Elemental)
Never-ending Road (Amhrán Duit) (An Ancient Muse)
