The Emerald Isle certainly has much to be proud of in her native son, Mark Forrest. Mark’s release Celtic Tales is definitely a sonic treat of traditional Irish tunes set to tasteful orchestrations. Mark’s clear and smooth voice carries the listener on an inspiring journey that stirs both the heart and the mind.

As I listened to Celtic Tales, I was especially impressed with Mark’s use of the sonic space. Each song had exactly the right amount of orchestration without any song feeling overproduced. Of course, being a guitar player myself, I was partial to the classical guitar on track 3, "Ride On," the intro really sets the tone for the whole song.

It is to be expected on any album of Irish music one will encounter the topics of patriotism, love and heartache. Sometimes, the subject matter may be a little dark; but, the hope that someday things will be better clearly shines through in this masterful collection. Celtic Tales may be purchased directly from Mark’s website: www.markforrest.com.

Reviewed by George Lower

About the Author

Susan Bailey

Susan Bailey

Susan Bailey is the author of River of Grace: Creative Passages Through Difficult Times (Ave Maria Press), and Louisa May Alcott: Illuminated by The Message (ACTA Publications), part of their Literary Portals to Prayer series. Along with her blogs Be as One and Louisa May Alcott is My Passion, Susan writes for the Diocese of Worcester newspaper, The Catholic Free Press.