Track Listing

1. Born to Dance
2. Flowers of the Morning
3. Timing of the Known
4. True Life Song
5. Are You?
6. My Sweet Jane
7. True Hands of Fate
8. Promise Ring
9. O'er

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32165 in Music
• Released on: 1999-12-17
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Contrary to popular belief, melodies are American
I would refer any critics to '100 Years of American Dance Music' released in 1975 by the New England Conservatory Country Fiddle Band, directed by Gunther Schuler. There you will find most of the melodies Jon used on this EXCELLENT selection. They are Celtic in flavor, but most decidedly American, AND all of them in the public domain. I believe this, as yet undiscovered by the masses, disc will join '3 Ships' as some of Jon's best and most sought after works. I'm considering buying a few more for the eventual ebay rush.

Don't be so harsh !
The fact that it is a live recording is what sells it !

I love it...and would highly give it 2 thumbs up.

I think it is a very clear beautiful recording.

A festive celtic celebration.
Let me start by stating the obvious - this isn't YES, it's entirely Jon Anderson. Another truth about J.A. albums is that they are all different. Olias of Sunhillow was his prog-rock masterpiece, Toltec was his delve into the mysteries of native American cultures, Deseo was his tip of the hat to world music, Angels Embrace was his ambient album, and 3 Ships (a very hard-to-find classic) was his Christmas album. Each has it's charm and appeal, and some are more succesful than others. The Promise Ring is his Celtic work, and it is wonderful!

From the first moment, you will instantly be transported to an Irish Pub, with all the atmosphere, background banter, laughing, clapping and clinking of glasses you would expect. The production of this CD is unabashedly live and a bit raw in texture. Those who criticize the sound quality must realize that Jon is no stranger to highly produced, perfectly clean recordings, but this approach would have diminished the impact of this work. As it is, this CD captures the fun and good spirits of the audience, along with the utter joy the musicians are experiencing while sharing their music with the crowd.

YES fans will recognize the final song, O'ER as it is incorporated into the song SOMEHOW, SOMEDAY from the Open Your Eyes CD.

Without exception,the songs are all upbeat and joyful, full of good spirit, love and hope for the future. I cannot listen to this CD without it making me smile and tap my toes. If you've never spent time in an authentic Irish Pub with live music, you've missed out on a great night of fun - but you can partially capture the experience with this terrific CD.