Out Of Their Shell is the second album by Mayo-based traditional band Céide, but it's the first to feature their new ace in the hole: singer Marianne Knight, who also plays a bit of bodhrán and adds a jazzy flute to the spirited 'Bold Donnelly'.

"Her clear, bright voice and crisp ornamentation make her one of the most exciting vocalists to come along in years, and when flute player Brian Lennon sings harmony on the final verse of 'John O'Dreams' the effect is electrifying". Hot Press

Produced by Seamie O'Dowd, former guitar/fiddle ace with Dervish, who is acquiring the most sought after producer hat in Ireland, among his recent productions, which drew tremendous critical acclaim, was Mary McPartlan's The Holland Handkerchief, which won MOJO magazine's Folk Album of 2005. Seamie is bevering away at h is own solo debut album. Which is eagerly awaited.

Copperplate is very proud to have this title on our roster and to help it achieve its full potential will be supporting this release with a full-scale promotional mail out to media and retail.

Press Reviews

These five lads from various backgrounds first started to play together at a regular Sunday night session in my pub in Westport. It soon became clear that they were developing a distinctive and original sound, combining the best of traditional music with contemporary songs and arrangements. This recording does great justice to their individual and collective talent. It has a very broad appeal and I highly recommend it.' ---- Matt Molloy

The Chicago Irish American News, July 06

"This is terrific, traditional music played with gusto and understanding---a rare combination", Bill Margeson

FolkWorld 33

Well I come from the land of the long grass and gorse, I flew with the eagle and I ran with the horse, and I played with the wild wind and whistled its tune... The Irish band Céide (-> FW#21), featuring flautist Brian Lennon of the musical clan (Charlie, Maurice -> FW#23), evolved from a regular session at Matt Molloy's pub in Westport in County Mayo. Their second album "Out of their Shell" features new singer Marianne Knight with a marvellous treatment of Bill Caddick's "John O'Dreams" (with the Tchaikovsky tune), the traditional "Bold Donnelly" and Andy M. Stewart's "Man in the Moon". Guitar player Declan Askin wrote the traditional-like "Western Waves" and turns out to be a fine singer as well. Marianne plays no mean flute either -- she then took out her whistle and she blew it sharp and shrill -- and set out with the boys for a "Tae in the Bog" and swap some other tunes. Tunes such as "Pikeman's" which dates from the 1798 rebellion when it was used for drilling Pikemen. The checks in the tune are the point where they would thrust into the dummy enemy. "Out of their Shell" has been produced by Dervish's Seamie O'Dowd (-> FW#26) who brings in guitar, fiddle and dobro to polish it up. No need to actually, everything's fine. Walkin' T:-)M

Froots Jan/Feb 07

This County Mayo band named after a local megalithic monument, impressed highly on their debut album LIKE A WILD THING in 2001. While playing the basic Altan and Lunasa game line-up wise, they did endeavour to affix an individual slant through using contemporary song choices and clever subtle tune arrangements.

Out of their Shell, Ceide's second album, sees some logical and unusual developments in their respective game plan. Firstly, adding female vocalist Marion Knight increases the song quotient, bringing a colourful and distinctive feel. While some might find this move confusing, with Ceide's guitarist Declan Askin handling vocals adequately on their debut and here restricted to a background role, Ms Knight turns out to be something of a find. She has a nice, raw, unblemished sounding voice that is less sweet or strident for many of her contemporaries. This makes for some fine performances on The Man in The Moon, Western Waves and Bold Donnelly, the latter the only traditional song on show.

Musically, the tide pull of accordion, flute and fiddle handled by Tom Doherty, Brian Lennon and John McHugh, works well together laced with bass, guitar and percussion. The result is bold and precious with a well-placed balance of melody over dynamics.

This is a sure footed line-up bakes its recipes before unveiling them to the outside world.

Ceide are indeed out of their shell and while the sound is different, the basic promise remains intact. www.ceide.net John O'Regan

Taplas The Welsh Folk Mag-Aug/Sept 06 Adolygiadau o Reviews

Meanwhile Mayo-based Ceidc continue to impress with their second CD, which is greatly enhanced by the addition of singer Marianne Knight.

The tight unison playing of fiddler John McHugh, flute player Brian Lennon and accordionist Tom Doherty is nicely underpinned by the guitar of Declan Askin and double bass of Kevin Doherty, who invite favourable comparisons with the mighty powerhouse of Donogh Hennessey and Trevor Hutchinson.

The selection of tunes is interesting and varied too, with the wide range of sources duly acknowledged. Dervish's Seamie O'Dowd produces and provides as some pleasing second guitar on the song Man in the Moon, which is one of the highlights of this excellent CD. Although the best-known version is probably that of Scottish singer Andy M. Stewart, this version comes from Donegal musicians Ernie O'Rahilly and Liam Deery.

And like Lunasa's earlier CD, this comes recommended by Matt Molloy himself, at whose bar in Westport the band originally came together. Nick Passmore

The Irish Post 27/5/06

"Out Of Their Shell" is the second album by the Mayo-based traditional band Céide, it's the first to feature their new singer Marianne Knight, who also plays bodhrán and adds a jazzy flute to the spirited 'Bold Donnelly'.

"Her clear, bright voice and crisp ornamentation make her one of the most exciting vocalists to come along in years.

Marian is one of that numerous band of musicians known as the FBI (foreign born Irish) she learned her music at that well known musical nursery St. Wilfrids branch of Comhaltas based in the Irish centre, Cheetham hill, Manchester.

The material on the album has come from years of playing together trying new tunes and selections there is very relaxed feel to this album.

"These five lads from various backgrounds first started to play together at a regular Sunday night session in my pub in Westport. It soon became clear that they were developing a distinctive and original sound, combining the best of traditional music with contemporary songs and arrangements. This recording does great justice to their individual and collective talent. It has a very broad appeal and I highly recommend it. "Matt Molloy.

With a recommendation like that the album is a welcome addition to the discerning traditional fans album collection. Joe Mullarkey

Irish Music Review

"In conclusion, Out of Their Shell is the most striking album to be released by an Irish traditional band for some years and absolutely worth investigation", Geoff Wallis

The Chicago Irish American News, July 06

We really, really like Ceide. Mayo-based, this group has a growing rep with other musicians, and a slowly but steadily growing American audience, as well. Big future, based on the fact that they are wonderful now! A talented sextet they offer some thumpin' great tunes, lovely airs and some fine singing from recent addition, Marianne Knight. The album is titled, Out of Their Shell. Also got it from the aforementioned Copperplate.

This is terrific, traditional music played with gusto and understanding---a rare combination. It got us dancing around the room, and with this arthritis, that ain't easy! Go Ceide!! Rating 3