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Story Girl
The Gothard Sisters (2011)
Price:$15, ships from WA, United States In Stock. 1. The Sailor and the Mermaid 2. Raglan Road 3. Celebration Reel 4. Scarborough Fair 5. Lucille 6. Willow's Waltz 7. A Girl You Don't Meet Every Day 8. Midsummer Jigs 9. It's the Little Things 10. The Three Coins 11. Fields of Athenry 12. Marching On Approx. running time: 52 minutes $ 15.00 Ships internationally. Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery outside of the US.
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Story Girl was named "Album of the Year" for 2011 by Celtic Radio!
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Listen to Clips
The Sailor and the Mermaid
Raglan Road
Celebration Reel
Scarborough Fair
Lucille
Willow's Waltz
A Girl You Don't Meet Every Day
Midsummer Jigs
It's the Little Things
The Three Coins
Fields of Athenry
Marching On
Customer Reviews
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Trevor Sills - I have just received my Story Girl CD from you and just want to say that I love it! Wow, God has really blessed you girls with some amazing talents; keep it up. I'll definitely be buying some more of your CDs, and probably the DVD also.
John Olson - Story Girl is the only CD I have in my car and it plays whenever my car is running. A CD at home gets plenty of play too. Story Girl is energizing, relaxing, joyful, wonderful creative music - great life rhythm to have between your shows.
Joshua Roberts - Story Girl is a superb album and is a real achievement, rare today and therefore all the more compelling - please keep making this kind of music and in this sort of style!
Roberto Rodriguez - It is wonderful to listen to your music. I feel that somehow it complements and puts you back in touch with nature, something we have forgotten long ago but it's still so important. For me, it talks about trees, mountains, rivers and wind... and, as the song says, it encourages to be the change you wish to see in the world.
Paulo Correia - "Story Girl" is AWESOME! I ordered the CD and DVD, but I couldn't wait, after seeing the wonderful videos on youtube, I bought this album on iTunes and I can't stop listening to these talented girls! :D
Rachel Olson - I have been listening/dancing to it obsessively since I bought it last week!! So inspiring!!
Anthony Tardiff - Story Girl is AWESOME. It's been blaring out of my car stereo for days now. Seriously, I'm in awe. Not only are your performances top notch - but your arrangements -- and new compositions! -- are amazing. I'd do anything for that kind of talent.
Stu Beitler - Eventually I know I will totally have to repurchase Story Girl... I know I will wear mine out!!! ... This is one of my most beloved CDs I own ... not bad out of about 800+!
Paul Giguere - Worthy of play everyday, not just St. Patrick's Day! The order of all the songs on the CD was well done and well selected. Definitely a CD where you feel guilty only paying $12 for it...
Darcy Allison - This is the best one yet! I can't stop listening to it. Such clarity and talent comes through on this one. Love it and I am telling everyone this is a great CD for Christmas/giving. Thank you to you three beautiful young women.
Quantum Mechanist - Story Girl is a superb album and is a real achievement, rare today and therefore all the more compelling - please keep making this kind of music and in this sort of style!
Sue Kron - I have to tell you, I cannot stop listening to Story Girl! You girls are brilliant! The violin runs are amazing, clever and catchy. Terrific arranging. I just love this CD! Well done!
Charyll Newman - This is a beautiful album. My favorite is "It's the Little Things." I will probably wear it out on the CD as I keep hitting the repeat button. Your talents amaze me and inspire me.
Ruthi Stremler - Perfect, an absolutely perfect CD!!!!!! Thank you ladies!
Pam Stucky - Really loving the album! Well done ladies!
Linda Baer - I love the Story Girl CD!
Jay Souweine - I just popped in my copy of Story Girl and I must say it's a great way to unwind after a VERY full day of rehearsals and classes. I am a freshman in college and a music major on jazz/classical trumpet, and I dabble in folk/Celtic guitar, and I must say, what you girls have produced is absolutely beautiful in every sense of the word. Thank you for the wonderful music.
Matthew Smith - Got mine yesterday in the mail and listened to the whole thing and it's great!!
Philip Teague - My family and I love this new CD!
David Peterson - I really didn't think I would have a favorite song on Story Girl because they are all so good -- but I do: Fields of Athenry. Not only is the song beautiful, but Solana's singing is as heartbreaking as the words. Your arrangement made it so personal it seemed like you were right there on the shore with the young girl singing.
Mark Havens - We got the CD today and my son Nicholas says "We LOVE it!" He says his favorite song is "A Girl You Don't Meet Every Day." I think he's having Caledonia flashbacks from your Astoria concert.
Paula Zalla - "It's the Little Things," this is my favorite number of your new CD by far; a few words can convey so much! The tune is so catchy I find myself singing it in my head; so you girls are with me all the time.
Chris Oertle - (Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!) - I have only been listening to the Gothard Sisters for a few months, but their music never ceases to amaze me. Scarborough Fair is by far my favorite song on this album. The Sailor and the Mermaid is a beautiful song with superb violin. I would recommend this album to anybody who likes Dougie Maclean, Celtic Thunder, or even Celtic Woman. Best album produced by these sisters yet!
Critic's Reviews
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Celticradio.net - (Vickie Yakus) Story Girl is the groups' 4th album since they started recording 2006 and it has already proven to be a popular addition to Celtic music lovers' collections everywhere. Expect many exciting things to come from these amazing young women.
1. "The Sailor and The Mermaid" kicks off the album in an offbeat manner, capturing your attention immediately with quick tempo changes. As there are no lyrics, Solana's pure, sweet voice is used as an instrument in this piece, bringing to mind a mermaid calling to her sailor from across the North Sea.
2. "Raglan Road" really showcases Solana's vocal abilities, as well as her sisters' when they join in harmony. The instruments take to the background on this beauty.
3. "Celebration Reel" is just what it says…fast-paced, whirling, full of life and foot-tapping fun. This celebration was composed by Greta and certainly gives us a window into not only her amazing music writing skills, but also that of her and her sisters' considerable violin skills.
4. "Scarborough Fair" I have to say this was never a favorite of mine, but the Sisters' version is wonderful. Sorry Simon & Garfunkel, The Gothard Sisters do this old ballad far more justice on the Celtic scale.
5. "Lucille" was composed by Greta and starts as a faerie dance to a singing violin, soon leading to a whirl around the glen accompanied by bodhrán and guitar.
6. "Willow's Waltz" is Willow's chance to showcase her composing abilities. This waltz is a fantastic contribution to the album, giving the listener quite an earful of violin plucking, reeling guitar riffs and Willow's mandolin talents.
7. "A Girl You Don't Meet Every Day" Solana lends her angelic voice to this kinder and gentler G-rated female version of the traditional Irish ballad "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day". The violin and bodhrán work is amazing here, and leaves you feeling like the song ends too quickly. Hit replay.
8. "Midsummer Jigs" jumps right in and grabs your hand, pulling you to the dance floor. Heavy on the bodhrán, violin and electric guitar blend with the driving beat make this different from the traditional jig, and certainly much more fun.
9. "It's the Little Things" is an absolutely beautiful song written by Greta and sung by all three sisters. Their harmonies add a sweetness that perfectly compliments the lilting violin work.
10. "The Three Coins" is a far different song than the rest on this album. Heavy on the bodhrán with fiery fiddlin' and the heel tapping from a fast-paced Irish dance, this one is sure to call to your gypsy side.
11. "Fields of Athenry" With Solana's crystalline voice lending a considerable degree of poignancy to this classic Irish ballad, I have to say this is one of the best versions I've ever heard. The girls' violins and Greta's soft guitar bring a touch of hopeful optimism not usually found in this melancholy piece. This is my favorite of the traditional songs on this album.
12. "Marching On" ends the album in much the way it begins--by quickly grabbing your attention and keeping it throughout the song with driving guitar and bodhrán rhythms, coupled with subtle tempo changes and, of course, the singing violins the girls are so wonderful at showcasing.
Story Girl definitely is a 5 out of 5 star gift to Celtic music. I look forward to seeing what these young ladies bring to us in the future. I most definitely will be watching for the opportunity to see them live!
1. "The Sailor and The Mermaid" kicks off the album in an offbeat manner, capturing your attention immediately with quick tempo changes. As there are no lyrics, Solana's pure, sweet voice is used as an instrument in this piece, bringing to mind a mermaid calling to her sailor from across the North Sea.
2. "Raglan Road" really showcases Solana's vocal abilities, as well as her sisters' when they join in harmony. The instruments take to the background on this beauty.
3. "Celebration Reel" is just what it says…fast-paced, whirling, full of life and foot-tapping fun. This celebration was composed by Greta and certainly gives us a window into not only her amazing music writing skills, but also that of her and her sisters' considerable violin skills.
4. "Scarborough Fair" I have to say this was never a favorite of mine, but the Sisters' version is wonderful. Sorry Simon & Garfunkel, The Gothard Sisters do this old ballad far more justice on the Celtic scale.
5. "Lucille" was composed by Greta and starts as a faerie dance to a singing violin, soon leading to a whirl around the glen accompanied by bodhrán and guitar.
6. "Willow's Waltz" is Willow's chance to showcase her composing abilities. This waltz is a fantastic contribution to the album, giving the listener quite an earful of violin plucking, reeling guitar riffs and Willow's mandolin talents.
7. "A Girl You Don't Meet Every Day" Solana lends her angelic voice to this kinder and gentler G-rated female version of the traditional Irish ballad "I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day". The violin and bodhrán work is amazing here, and leaves you feeling like the song ends too quickly. Hit replay.
8. "Midsummer Jigs" jumps right in and grabs your hand, pulling you to the dance floor. Heavy on the bodhrán, violin and electric guitar blend with the driving beat make this different from the traditional jig, and certainly much more fun.
9. "It's the Little Things" is an absolutely beautiful song written by Greta and sung by all three sisters. Their harmonies add a sweetness that perfectly compliments the lilting violin work.
10. "The Three Coins" is a far different song than the rest on this album. Heavy on the bodhrán with fiery fiddlin' and the heel tapping from a fast-paced Irish dance, this one is sure to call to your gypsy side.
11. "Fields of Athenry" With Solana's crystalline voice lending a considerable degree of poignancy to this classic Irish ballad, I have to say this is one of the best versions I've ever heard. The girls' violins and Greta's soft guitar bring a touch of hopeful optimism not usually found in this melancholy piece. This is my favorite of the traditional songs on this album.
12. "Marching On" ends the album in much the way it begins--by quickly grabbing your attention and keeping it throughout the song with driving guitar and bodhrán rhythms, coupled with subtle tempo changes and, of course, the singing violins the girls are so wonderful at showcasing.
Story Girl definitely is a 5 out of 5 star gift to Celtic music. I look forward to seeing what these young ladies bring to us in the future. I most definitely will be watching for the opportunity to see them live!
Victory Music Magazine - (John McClure) I was pretty sure I wouldn't like this CD when I first picked it up. I'm not sure I wanted to like it. The cover shows us three completely lovely young blond ladies dressed in Irish style embroidered clothing. Inside are views of one sister against a backdrop of (1) hills and (2) beaches with a sunset separating the two. In fact, the graphics generally on this CD are gorgeous.
This would all be dandy, except that this reviewer is of Celtic descent himself, and sliding into Geezerdom at a quickening pace. I have become a bit cynical about the exploitation of Irish heritage for the American market. There are those who can appreciate Celtic singers on television in strapless evening gowns - I cannot. Parodies bother me.
Well, then I put the CD in the player and began to listen. And the more I listened to Greta, Solana and Willow Gothard, the less cynical I became.
Slowly I began to develop a respect for the players and singers (and dancers!) on this album. There is an attention to detail and earnestness in how they present a variety of Celtic and Celtic inspired original material without drenching it in instrumentation or drowning it in production oriented lushness. The pace of the album has been considered and the list of songs shows that. There are old classics here ("The Fields of Athenry" and "Scarborough Fair") but they are presented honestly without turning them into some grand anthem in the process. Many of the songs are instrumentals and played very well, but the vocals caught my attention early, in how they resemble the harmonies of the Rankin Family ladies; in my opinion some of the best in Irish music, period. The Gothard Sisters are right next door to that with their vocal entwinings on "Story Girl."
Researching this trio of sisters, it became obvious to me that there is a level of professionalism developing in their entire presentation that will stand them well in the future. These women are talented, beautiful, conscientious purveyors of beautifully crafted Irish music. This album is excellent at any level you want to discuss, and yet I am sure there is better yet to come from these three. Perhaps the slide into Geezerdom has been slowed a bit.
This would all be dandy, except that this reviewer is of Celtic descent himself, and sliding into Geezerdom at a quickening pace. I have become a bit cynical about the exploitation of Irish heritage for the American market. There are those who can appreciate Celtic singers on television in strapless evening gowns - I cannot. Parodies bother me.
Well, then I put the CD in the player and began to listen. And the more I listened to Greta, Solana and Willow Gothard, the less cynical I became.
Slowly I began to develop a respect for the players and singers (and dancers!) on this album. There is an attention to detail and earnestness in how they present a variety of Celtic and Celtic inspired original material without drenching it in instrumentation or drowning it in production oriented lushness. The pace of the album has been considered and the list of songs shows that. There are old classics here ("The Fields of Athenry" and "Scarborough Fair") but they are presented honestly without turning them into some grand anthem in the process. Many of the songs are instrumentals and played very well, but the vocals caught my attention early, in how they resemble the harmonies of the Rankin Family ladies; in my opinion some of the best in Irish music, period. The Gothard Sisters are right next door to that with their vocal entwinings on "Story Girl."
Researching this trio of sisters, it became obvious to me that there is a level of professionalism developing in their entire presentation that will stand them well in the future. These women are talented, beautiful, conscientious purveyors of beautifully crafted Irish music. This album is excellent at any level you want to discuss, and yet I am sure there is better yet to come from these three. Perhaps the slide into Geezerdom has been slowed a bit.
67 Music - (Catriona Hamilton) If you've never heard of the Gothard Sisters before, then you're about to be in for a treat! Their latest CD titled "Story Girl" is wonderful. It opens with "the Sailor and the Mermaid," an upbeat instrumental with an ethereal vocal by Solana. A tune penned by Greta and Willow Gothard that draws you in from the first musical note. In fact, there are seven originals on this disc and they are all quite good, too. In addition to originals, they scored their own arrangements on such traditional classics as "Raglan Road" and "Fields of Athenry."
I really enjoy "Story Girl" and will definitely listen to this one over and over again. I highly recommend their latest CD to add to your Celtic music library.
I really enjoy "Story Girl" and will definitely listen to this one over and over again. I highly recommend their latest CD to add to your Celtic music library.
Folk Works Magazine - (Zac Leger) The sisters have said that they purposefully worked on making each track unique on this CD and they have certainly succeeded in creating an album of well produced, standout selections that still manages to work as cohesive whole.
The album opens with the Medieval sounding, The Sailor and the Mermaid, which ends up as a playful pan-Celtic sounding piece before venturing on into Gypsy violin inspired lines, with multiple fiddle harmonies weaving in and out. Solana acts as the sisters’ lead singer and her high, sweet voice helps anchor innovative arrangements of oft recorded songs like Patrick Kavanagh’s poem, Raglan Road , A Man you Don’t Meet Every Day (recast as A Girl you Don’t Meet Every Day) and a haunting version of Scarborough Fair which floats above multiple rhythmic violin lines. The Celebration Reel reflects the girls’ history as competitive Irish Dancers and several of the tune sets feature the girls laying down hard shoe steps as added percussion. The atmospheric, Willow’s Waltz opens with harmony fiddles plucked pizzicato, later joined by Willow Gothard’s lilting mandolin playing and with its strains of Bluegrass and Old-Time influences is very much the sort of piece you could hear being used in a film or television soundtrack. The Three Coins features the girls multi-tracking dance taps over a very Scottish sounding composition while, Lucille ventures into folk rock territory with the addition of subtle drums and bass. The album ends with a lovely version of Fields of Athenry, a song that is often overdone by many groups but here sounds like a string quartet married to an Appalachian mountain ballad, before moving into the optimistic Marching On, another composition from the girls featuring fiddles, drums and solid rhythm guitar work from Greta Gothard.
The album opens with the Medieval sounding, The Sailor and the Mermaid, which ends up as a playful pan-Celtic sounding piece before venturing on into Gypsy violin inspired lines, with multiple fiddle harmonies weaving in and out. Solana acts as the sisters’ lead singer and her high, sweet voice helps anchor innovative arrangements of oft recorded songs like Patrick Kavanagh’s poem, Raglan Road , A Man you Don’t Meet Every Day (recast as A Girl you Don’t Meet Every Day) and a haunting version of Scarborough Fair which floats above multiple rhythmic violin lines. The Celebration Reel reflects the girls’ history as competitive Irish Dancers and several of the tune sets feature the girls laying down hard shoe steps as added percussion. The atmospheric, Willow’s Waltz opens with harmony fiddles plucked pizzicato, later joined by Willow Gothard’s lilting mandolin playing and with its strains of Bluegrass and Old-Time influences is very much the sort of piece you could hear being used in a film or television soundtrack. The Three Coins features the girls multi-tracking dance taps over a very Scottish sounding composition while, Lucille ventures into folk rock territory with the addition of subtle drums and bass. The album ends with a lovely version of Fields of Athenry, a song that is often overdone by many groups but here sounds like a string quartet married to an Appalachian mountain ballad, before moving into the optimistic Marching On, another composition from the girls featuring fiddles, drums and solid rhythm guitar work from Greta Gothard.
Green Man Review - (Pete Massey) - This one of the nicest ‘entertaining’ albums of Celtic music I have heard in a long time. It’s a real must have album. You can buy it or download it (but if you download, you miss out on the stunning cover and package).
The other week I had the pleasure of reviewing the band’s Christmas album and I wondered at the time what else they were capable of in their own comfort zone, and now I know. The trio on this album exhibit a talent way beyond their years. The music, the ambiance, and flair is very professional and brilliant to say the least.
Apart from some brilliant arrangements of songs such as ‘Fields of Athenry’, ‘Raglan Road’ and ‘A Girl You Don’t Meet Everyday’ (a/k/a “A Man You Don’t Meet Everyday”) they breathe new life into ‘Scarborough Fair’. The big plus side of the album comes from the original material. All of the tunes on the album are written by Greta and Willow and, as they are classically trained violinists and Irish dancers, it easy to see where the inspiration comes from. I particularly like ‘The Three Coins’ written by Willow, it’s superb and is bound to become a standard. This is pre-empted by a fabulous simple tune/song by Greta called ‘It’s the Little Things’. I like the Irish step dancing in ‘The Tree Coins’ . River Dance fans will love this.
I would buy it! Seriously. This is an album you will play over and over again. If the girls ever tour over here, they will take the UK by storm.
The other week I had the pleasure of reviewing the band’s Christmas album and I wondered at the time what else they were capable of in their own comfort zone, and now I know. The trio on this album exhibit a talent way beyond their years. The music, the ambiance, and flair is very professional and brilliant to say the least.
Apart from some brilliant arrangements of songs such as ‘Fields of Athenry’, ‘Raglan Road’ and ‘A Girl You Don’t Meet Everyday’ (a/k/a “A Man You Don’t Meet Everyday”) they breathe new life into ‘Scarborough Fair’. The big plus side of the album comes from the original material. All of the tunes on the album are written by Greta and Willow and, as they are classically trained violinists and Irish dancers, it easy to see where the inspiration comes from. I particularly like ‘The Three Coins’ written by Willow, it’s superb and is bound to become a standard. This is pre-empted by a fabulous simple tune/song by Greta called ‘It’s the Little Things’. I like the Irish step dancing in ‘The Tree Coins’ . River Dance fans will love this.
I would buy it! Seriously. This is an album you will play over and over again. If the girls ever tour over here, they will take the UK by storm.
FanRealm - (Jane W) - This album is a nice mix of traditional favorites and original music. There are instrumentals as well as songs with lyrics and each one tells a story either using words or music. It starts out with the hauntingly beautiful The Sailor and the Mermaid which sets the dramatic tone for rest of the cd. They do the most amazing versions of Scarborough Fair and Fields of Athenry that I have heard in ages.
Like any good drama, there are upbeat offerings as well as some more somber ones. All of the songs are so good it’s hard to pick a favorite but It’s the Little Things is mine. It has a wonderful message. All the music most definitely grabs you and takes you away to a special place. This is an album you MUST have in your collection. This is a cd I will be listening to over and over again.
Like any good drama, there are upbeat offerings as well as some more somber ones. All of the songs are so good it’s hard to pick a favorite but It’s the Little Things is mine. It has a wonderful message. All the music most definitely grabs you and takes you away to a special place. This is an album you MUST have in your collection. This is a cd I will be listening to over and over again.
IrishCentral - (SJ Valasquez) - "Story Girl," the Gothard Sisters' sixth CD released earlier this month, mixes well-known Celtic songs and original tracks written and arranged by one or more of the sisters. And, as eldest sister Greta, 24, pointed out, the group has drawn heavily from its Irish dance influences, making this latest album is the most "danceable" yet.Tracks like "The Sailor and the Mermaid," a jig-reel hybrid written by Greta and Willow; Greta's "Celebration Reel"; "Midsummer Jigs"; and "The Three Coins" are especially dancer-friendly. Any Irish dancer's ears will quickly perk up upon recognizing the hard shoe percussive rhythms in "The Three Coins," a lively reel tune written by middle sister Willow, 22.
What the Gothard Sisters manage to achieve in just 12 tracks is a harmonious blend of traditional Celtic with hints of Americana. There's a country-western earthiness that gives the songs a lively, approachable, down-home sound. And 16-year-old sister Solana's angelic vocals add a youthful life to otherwise somber traditional ballads or laments such as "Scarborough Fair" and "Fields of Athenry." For the Irish dancer, "Story Girl" is a refreshing alternative to a predictable feis CD -- and it offers a few tracks that would lend themselves nicely to stage performances and casual dance-outs. But "Story Girl" isn't just for the step dancers. It's a collection of melodious tracks from a wide spectrum of Celtic cultures with a lively modern American twist that would delight any fan of classical, Celtic or country music.
What the Gothard Sisters manage to achieve in just 12 tracks is a harmonious blend of traditional Celtic with hints of Americana. There's a country-western earthiness that gives the songs a lively, approachable, down-home sound. And 16-year-old sister Solana's angelic vocals add a youthful life to otherwise somber traditional ballads or laments such as "Scarborough Fair" and "Fields of Athenry." For the Irish dancer, "Story Girl" is a refreshing alternative to a predictable feis CD -- and it offers a few tracks that would lend themselves nicely to stage performances and casual dance-outs. But "Story Girl" isn't just for the step dancers. It's a collection of melodious tracks from a wide spectrum of Celtic cultures with a lively modern American twist that would delight any fan of classical, Celtic or country music.
Andrea Guy - (5 stars out of 5) - The Gothard Sisters return with their sixth album, Story Girl. The sisters, who range in age from 16 to 24, will delight listeners’ ears with their wonderful violin playing. The album features songs written by the sisters as well as some traditional songs from Celtic nations.
Each sister brings to the group something special, though all are superb violinists. Greta plays guitar and does a good deal of the arranging. Willow plays mandolin as well as the bodhran. Solana plays the bodhran as well as some other percussion, but she also handles the lead vocals in the group. Together, The Gothard Sisters create wonderful Celtic music.
Story Girl is exactly has what fans have come to love about The Gothard Sisters—energetic melodies, ethereal vocals and plenty of Celtic Spirit. The album opens with the spirited “The Sailor and The Mermaid,” an instrumental that will have feet tapping from start to finish. It is also one of the album’s original compositions. “Celebration Reel” sounds just as the title implies—a song with a melody that is festive. The violin playing is infectious and may even inspire those with two left feet to try some Irish dancing. (read more)
Each sister brings to the group something special, though all are superb violinists. Greta plays guitar and does a good deal of the arranging. Willow plays mandolin as well as the bodhran. Solana plays the bodhran as well as some other percussion, but she also handles the lead vocals in the group. Together, The Gothard Sisters create wonderful Celtic music.
Story Girl is exactly has what fans have come to love about The Gothard Sisters—energetic melodies, ethereal vocals and plenty of Celtic Spirit. The album opens with the spirited “The Sailor and The Mermaid,” an instrumental that will have feet tapping from start to finish. It is also one of the album’s original compositions. “Celebration Reel” sounds just as the title implies—a song with a melody that is festive. The violin playing is infectious and may even inspire those with two left feet to try some Irish dancing. (read more)
Heath Andrews - (5 stars out of 5) - There are some albums that based on the strength of the material contained within, essentially review themselves. Such is the case with The Gothard Sisters and their 2011 album, Story Girl. This trio of violinist sisters work their Celtic magic on twelve songs that interchange original creations and newly arranged traditional pieces with remarkable ease. While the album could be engaging enough on the merits of their violin playing, the Gothard Sisters also include the guitar, bodhran (Celtic hand drum), and enchanting vocals, to cement the Celtic atmosphere and drive home an album that is incredibly strong and engaging.
The Gothard Sisters are made up of Greta, Willow, and Solana with the latter of the three being the lead vocalist. The most important thing to realize about Story Girl is that it pretty much does exactly what you’d expect it to and often goes a step beyond that. “The Sailor And The Mermaid” begins the album and it’s a fitting piece to do so as it displays the sisters’ talents in excellent fashion. Beginning with the guitar and a violin backing, the instrumental builds to cast the violin into the forefront while the bodhran beats away lightly in the background. The pacing of the piece also escalates with this change in tone and the tempo and melody is wonderfully danceable. (read more)
The Gothard Sisters are made up of Greta, Willow, and Solana with the latter of the three being the lead vocalist. The most important thing to realize about Story Girl is that it pretty much does exactly what you’d expect it to and often goes a step beyond that. “The Sailor And The Mermaid” begins the album and it’s a fitting piece to do so as it displays the sisters’ talents in excellent fashion. Beginning with the guitar and a violin backing, the instrumental builds to cast the violin into the forefront while the bodhran beats away lightly in the background. The pacing of the piece also escalates with this change in tone and the tempo and melody is wonderfully danceable. (read more)
Matthew Forss - (5 stars out of 5) - The Seattle-based, Celtic trio, The Gothard Sisters, bring to life the folk music from Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. A mix of vocal and instrumental tunes includes traditional and original compositions. “Scarborough Fair” is probably the most popular cover song on the album. In short, the Irish folk melodies are re-invented on Story Girl with loads of percussion, strings, and sweet vocals.
“The Sailor and the Mermaid” opens with a slight violin drone and a few strums of a guitar before a short rest. Then, a full-on bodhran, violin, and guitar set take over in a spritely manner. Soaring female vocals follow the melody, as some gritty, violin-playing begins the next wave of jig music. The percussion is not too aggressive and the violin steals the show—displaying the full tonal range of the instrument with pinpoint accuracy. The bodhran adds a nice touch of percussion interspersed between the violin medleys. The soaring vocals once again finish the song, but the vocals do not contain words.
“Marching On” is a Celtic-folk-pop masterpiece in the vein of Leahy, April Verch, or The Corrs. The instrumental song contains a more pop-focused drum-kit beat with all the lucky charms of a candid, Celtic composition. The drums, bodhran, violin, and guitar are arranged in such a way to create a very, ear-friendly song that will soon be high-up on any Celtic music charts in the near future. (read more)
“The Sailor and the Mermaid” opens with a slight violin drone and a few strums of a guitar before a short rest. Then, a full-on bodhran, violin, and guitar set take over in a spritely manner. Soaring female vocals follow the melody, as some gritty, violin-playing begins the next wave of jig music. The percussion is not too aggressive and the violin steals the show—displaying the full tonal range of the instrument with pinpoint accuracy. The bodhran adds a nice touch of percussion interspersed between the violin medleys. The soaring vocals once again finish the song, but the vocals do not contain words.
“Marching On” is a Celtic-folk-pop masterpiece in the vein of Leahy, April Verch, or The Corrs. The instrumental song contains a more pop-focused drum-kit beat with all the lucky charms of a candid, Celtic composition. The drums, bodhran, violin, and guitar are arranged in such a way to create a very, ear-friendly song that will soon be high-up on any Celtic music charts in the near future. (read more)
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Booking Phone: (615) 414-3498 Email: gregorytalent2@aol.com or thegothardsisters@hotmail.com Mail: PO Box 6002 Edmonds WA 98026
