Album: The Holy Ground by Mary Black (1993)
Format: Album

Description: Irish singer Mary Black is well known for deftly combining her Celtic roots with contemporary folk. On this release, she offers another strong set of songs, as she interprets songs from American folk favorite John Gorka ("Treasure Island") and connects with Anglo-folk tradition on the lovely "One Way Donkey Ride" (written by Sandy Denny of Fairport Convention fame). The acoustic instrumentation feature a rich blend of guitars, fiddles, saxophones, and accordions that add a timeless feel to most of her songs. The highlight of the album is "Loving Time," an emotional story of star-crossed lovers told with a bittersweet aching that few artists could deliver so poignantly. While a few songs towards the end of the album suffer from middle-of-the-road, adult easy listening arrangements, Mary Black's voice remains an incredibly expressive instrument that makes this another solid effort. 

Artist Background: For the last quarter-century, singer Mary Black has been a dominant presence in Irish music, both at home and abroad. She has shared stages, tv shows and recording studios with some of the most revered performers of her time. She has also played a frontline role in bringing Irish music, past and present, to an increasingly appreciative and ever-growing global audience. The San Francisco Chronicle has described her as "One of the best interpretative singers around". At a time when less adventu... Emerged in the 1980s era. Known for Folk style.

Music Scene: Emerged in the 1980s era. Known for Folk style.

Tags: 1990s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Irish singer Mary Black is well known for deftly combining her Celtic roots with contemporary folk. On this release, she offers another strong set of songs, as she interprets songs from American folk favorite John Gorka ("Treasure Island") and connects with Anglo-folk tradition on the lovely "One Way Donkey Ride" (written by Sandy Denny of Fairport Convention fame). The acoustic instrumentation feature a rich blend of guitars, fiddles, saxophones, and accordions that add a timeless feel to most of her songs. The highlight of the album is "Loving Time," an emotional story of star-crossed lovers told with a bittersweet aching that few artists could deliver so poignantly. While a few songs towards the end of the album suffer from middle-of-the-road, adult easy listening arrangements, Mary Black's voice remains an incredibly expressive instrument that makes this another solid effort. 

The Holy Ground

Mary Black

Track List

Buy Now

You May Also Like