A charming and expressive Irish folk singer, Sean Keane takes an approach that is steeped in tradition, even though he doesn't qualify as a purist. Indeed, it's hard to think of him as a purist when All Heart No Roses finds him interpreting a Bob Dylan classic, "Abandoned Love," with so much soul and conviction. One song that's especially revealing is the opener "Home Away From Home"; influenced by American country music yet very Irish-sounding, the song beautifully underscores the impact Irish and Scottish music had on American country music. But while American influences haven't escaped him, Keane isn't someone the Irish traditional market should ignore. In fact, "Erin's Lovely Home," "Bundlin," "Taglione," and "The County of Mayo" leave no doubt that his command of traditional Irish songs is as strong as his command of a Dylan gem. This is a CD to savor. ~ Alex Henderson|
Rovi