Van Morrison & The Chieftans - Irish Heartbeat (1988)

Traveling to Ireland for one week, i remembered one of my favorite albums concerning the irish folk music. In one of his most acclaimed albums Van Morrison decided to take on the music which had inflicted so much influences and inspiration upon him.
Van Morrison [Allmusic link] had started out as a Celtic folk singer and with this album he moved back to his roots. After a long rock and jazz period this album was exactly what he needed to renew his image and get some new juice into the systems.
Listen to the almost incredible sincere vocals of Van and the eclectic muscicianship of the Chieftans [Allmusic link]. All these versions are almost right down to the tradition with instruments like: Bozooki, mandolin, fiddle and the bodhran.

Tracklist:

Star of the County down
Irish Heartbeat
Tá Mo Chleamhnas Déanta (My Match It Is Made)
Raglan Road
She moved Trough The Fair
I'll tell me Ma
Carrickfergus
Celtic Ray
My Lagan Love
Marie's Wedding

My favorite songs are Marie's Wedding, Tá Mo Chleamhnas Déanta and Star of the County down. Absolute superb versions of these songs. The album recorded in 1988 is a classic in Irish folk music and if you like this kind of music, check it out!

Allmusic link to the Record
Official website (Van Morrison)