Whorls -Review

Thanks to Tim Carroll at Folkwords for this, the first review of Whorls. http://www.folkwords.com/folkwordsreviews_97063.html

Whorls’ by Enda Reilly – blending Yeats’ powerful, searching poetry with emotive music

“Across the years, the poems of W.B. Yeats have been interpreted and performed in many ways by numerous artists through the spoken word, drama and music. There is, to my mind, one performer that stands out, blending Yeats’ powerful, searching poetry with emotive music and song … that’s Irish musician and composer Enda Reilly. His latest album, ‘Whorls’ covers both instantly recognised treasures and little remembered gems from Ireland’s premier poet and follows Reilly’s quite stunning album ‘Arise And Go’.
On ‘Whorls’ we are treated to Reilly’s spectacular vision and understanding of Yeats’ work as he takes these poems into another dimension and creates something inspirational that’s altogether wonderful. From the supremely reflective ‘The Wild Swans at Coole’ through the gentle entreaty of ‘He Wishes For The Cloths of Heaven’ to the words of caution and wisdom in ‘Down By the Salley Gardens’ and the mysterious twilight of ‘The Stolen Child’ this album is an absolute delight.
Throughout ‘Whorls’ it’s clear you’re listening to a master at work, who combines a fine understanding of Yeats’ poetry with a tender respect for their messages, with songs delivered in English and Irish Gaelic, which whether you understand the words or not, offer a haunting otherworldly quality. I have the distinct feeling that could William Butler hear Reilly’s work he would thoroughly approve.
On ‘Whorls’ the lyrics are by W.B. Yeats, translations to Irish Gaelic by Gabriel Rosenstock, the music is composed and performed by Enda Reilly, except ‘Down By The Salley Gardens’, traditional arrangement by Enda Reilly. Find Enda Reilly and his work here: www.endareilly.com”