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CWazyTom
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« on: June 20, 2018, 05:34PM »

Instead of clumping her together this lovely Irish soprano into the Other Artists thread, I've decided she should have her own topic (if she already has her own topic then ... now she has two)!

Margaret Keys is a classical-crossover soprano from Derry, Northern Ireland. She's been singing since she was four. She has a Masters in vocal performance from the Royal Scottish Conservatoire of Music and Drama. She's performed all over the world, including the US. She's performed with and for some pretty big names (including a performance for the Pope in 2015).

In terms of Celtic Woman, Margaret's voice reminds me most of Meav's. It is both powerful and beautiful.

She sings classical, Irish traditional, tunes from musicals ... she does it all!

"Key" items from her discography:

- Pure Classics (2003)
- Songs from the Musicals
- Legato (2009)
- The Gift of Music (2018)

I actually don't know when Songs from the Musicals was released. Information on that album is pretty scarce. My best guess is that it was around 2006. Does anyone know?

Her new album, The Gift of Music releases on June 22, 2018 (it is available for pre-order on Amazon UK as of the time I posted this.). Hopefully we can get her to the top of the Official Classical chart through pre-orders. That would make her the first female ever from Northern Ireland to achieve that feat! She definitely deserves it. Let's help her get there!
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« Reply #1 on: June 20, 2018, 05:50PM »

 SFTM   is probably from 2006 since my album cover  shows a few quotes from that year.   I could even ask the lady herself. Margaret is very responsive on social media. Prestigious venues Margaret has performed in include The Royal Albert Hall, the London Paladium The Atlanta Pops, and of course Carnegie Hall.  Margaret's album would be a shoe-in for coming in 1st opening the UK classical charts if it weren't for the Royal Wedding album. I am thinking of ordering a 2nd one before that date on principle. Thank you for creating this thread Tom.   Wink  I like the Meav and Margaret comparison.   Cheesy
« Last Edit: June 20, 2018, 08:59PM by Raving Meaviac » Logged

CWazyTom
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« Reply #2 on: June 20, 2018, 09:16PM »

SFTM   is probably from 2006 since my album cover  shows a few quotes from that year.   I could even ask the lady herself. Margaret is very responsive on social media. Prestigious venues Margaret has performed in include The Royal Albert Hall, the London Paladium The Atlanta Pops, and of course Carnegie Hall.  Margaret's album would be a shoe-in for coming in 1st opening the UK classical charts if it weren't for the Royal Wedding album. I am thinking of ordering a 2nd one before that date on principle. Thank you for creating this thread Tom.   Wink  I like the Meav and Margaret comparison.   Cheesy

My inkling that the album was released around 2006 was also based on the quotes from the album insert.  Wink

Great minds think alike.

P.S. A second copy, huh? The would potentially enable one to gift the music of The Gift of Music. Grin
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« Reply #3 on: June 21, 2018, 05:31PM »

 Margaret recently liked the post where I asked her if SFTM was 2006 or  not. She didn't correct me which  sounds like a confirmation.   Cool
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CWazyTom
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« Reply #4 on: June 22, 2018, 11:00PM »

While I wait for the pre-ordered CD of The Gift of Music to arrive (it might still arrive before my pre-ordered CD of Chloë's EP), I listened to Margaret Keys' new album on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/album/3V87msbZPPHybupauTM8nE



*** SPOILERS BELOW ***

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I loved it!

The orchestration was phenomenal and Margaret Keys sounded like a goddess.

I greatly enjoyed all the songs that are familiar to us as Celtic Woman fans, including:
- Ave Maria ... this is truly exceptional. What a voice!
- Carrickfergus
- When You Believe ... spectacular finish!
- Going Home
- The Last Rose of Summer
- Danny Boy

Margaret's versions of the above songs are legitimate contenders for my all-time favorite versions of each of those songs.

Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel) and The Old Man are devastatingly beautiful. Tissues were needed for both songs.

This album is really good!  There's not much for me that can hold a candle to Celtic Woman, but this definitely holds its own against any of the solo works of our Celtic Woman ladies.  Now that this album is released, it can take its rightful place among my cherished favorites. <3


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*** SPOILERS ABOVE ***
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« Reply #5 on: June 29, 2018, 05:23PM »

 Margaret's album debuted  at a strong #2.  The #1 spot was occupied by an incumbent artist who has been at the top 3 weeks it seems. A very strong start for our M.  though.  Smiley   And that doesn't mean she can't still rise to #1 next week or thereafter.   Cool
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CWazyTom
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« Reply #6 on: June 29, 2018, 10:27PM »

Margaret's album debuted  at a strong #2.  The #1 spot was occupied by an incumbent artist who has been at the top 3 weeks it seems. A very strong start for our M.  though.  Smiley   And that doesn't mean she can't still rise to #1 next week or thereafter.   Cool

Agreed!

It sounded like she was very close to the #1 spot too.

Keep spreading the word, everyone!  Smiley
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« Reply #7 on: July 04, 2018, 04:53PM »

I received my pre-ordered physical copy of The Gift of Music today!

I've got to say, of all the CDs I have in my collection, this one has one of the nicest album inserts and tray liners. All the photos look fantastic and have great color. The photos are a combination of ones that really pop and others that have a warm but soothing tone.

The insert booklet includes a very lovely thank you note. For me, an album insert doesn't often warrant the use of tissues, but this was one of those rare occasions. That note really tugs at the heartstrings.

I don't think we'll ever see Margaret Keys in Celtic Woman. She certainly has the voice, the personality, and the look for the part, but the tour schedule wouldn't suit her. Never say never though.

I love everything about this album to a degree that, for me, is almost exclusively reserved for Celtic Woman. It truly is a precious gift.
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« Reply #8 on: July 04, 2018, 05:16PM »

I received my pre-ordered physical copy of The Gift of Music today!

I've got to say, of all the CDs I have in my collection, this one has one of the nicest album inserts and tray liners. All the photos look fantastic and have great color. The photos are a combination of ones that really pop and others that have a warm but soothing tone.

The insert booklet includes a very lovely thank you note. For me, an album insert doesn't often warrant the use of tissues, but this was one of those rare occasions. That note really tugs at the heartstrings.

I don't think we'll ever see Margaret Keys in Celtic Woman. She certainly has the voice, the personality, and the look for the part, but the tour schedule wouldn't suit her. Never say never though.

I love everything about this album to a degree that, for me, is almost exclusively reserved for Celtic Woman. It truly is a precious gift.
So glad to hear this Tom.  I am not surprised, though.   Smiley  My receipt got delayed by the fact that I had to re-register a new check card because of the fact my old one recently expired and Amazon had the old info.  I don't now if you had the pleasure of listening in to  Jan's show last Sunday, but she played several tracks from M's  album.  I think you are right about the CW related stuff too.  Maybe a guest appearance on a DVD though?   Wink
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CWazyTom
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« Reply #9 on: November 23, 2018, 07:04PM »

Surprise!

Margaret Keys released a Christmas album today, "A Winter's Tale."

Here's a preview of her lovely voice:
https://www.facebook.com/128132743883/videos/281286759187066/

Here's where you can buy the album once you hear her voice:
http://margaretkeys.co.uk/shop/

Here's the track list:

A Winter's Tale
The Most Wonderful Time of the year
Hallelujah
The First Noel
Mary's Boy Child
Feels Like Home
Silver Bells
White Christmas
Silent Night
If
Joy to the World
O Holy Night


I don't plug non-Celtic-Woman performers that often, but Margaret Keys is really special. She really would have been fantastic in Celtic Woman if she were into the touring life. She has the the look and certainly has the voice.
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