Songs remain the same

The lineup of Celtic Woman has changed many times in the past decade, but the group’s allegiance to traditional Irish music has never wavered. They’ve also never really stopped traveling: They return to Spokane tonight – they were just here in November – on a tour that celebrates the group’s 10th anniversary.

We spoke with Máiréad Carlin, one of the Celtic Woman’s vocalists, about her time with the group (she joined in 2013), how Irish and American audiences differ, and the general longevity of Celtic music.

The Spokesman-Review: Do you get to perform in Ireland often?

Máiréad Carlin: We actually went in January to start this tour off, and we started in the 3Arena in Dublin. That was very exciting for everyone because all our family and friends could actually come see what we were doing.

SR: Did you notice any differences between Irish audiences and American audiences?

Carlin: I toured with Don McLean, and the one thing I noticed is that the Irish audiences were a lot more reserved. So that’s what I was expecting. They’re very, very musical over in Ireland – you know, everyone plays music – so they’ve got a really good ear and they really listen. And they went mad at 3Arena and in Belfast, and we were all pleasantly surprised. It’s very out of character for them to be up on their feet and dancing and singing along. That’s what we’re used to at shows here in the States, but it was a lovely surprise.

SR: How did you come to join Celtic Woman?

Carlin: I was signed to Decca Records in the U.K. when I was 21, and I made a solo record with them in the Celtic style. … That kind of fell through. I was in New York doing a gig for the Ireland America fund and happened to have my CD with me. I was chatting to this lovely man named Josh … and I gave him my CD not realizing he worked for Celtic Woman’s label in America. Then fast forward six months and one of the girls decides to take a break and explore herself as a solo artist, and that’s when I got the call.

SR: What has it been like performing with the current lineup?

Carlin: Wonderful, to be honest. Susan (McFadden), Máiréad (Nesbitt) and Alex (Sharpe) are all people that I really admire and respect greatly as musicians. They’re all lovely people, so to stand onstage and perform with people like that every night is just brilliant. Not many people get to do that, so I feel humbled every night.

SR: For anybody who hasn’t seen your live shows, can you describe what they’re like?

Carlin: A lot of people in America have great heritage and a great love of Ireland, so we treat that with a great amount of respect. Some people have maybe got family back in Ireland, and this is their way of reaching Ireland. … It’s a real experience. And what we find, from talking to people who have been to the show, is that everybody leaves with a smile on their face, or they’ve been moved in some way. People seem to really connect with these songs, and I know I do as a performer.

SR: Why do you think traditional Irish music still resonates with modern audiences?

Carlin: Irish folk songs really have a sense of storytelling, and people seem to really connect with these stories. … It’s all in a universal language, I think. It’s storytelling and poetry and done in a very poignant way with beautiful melodies. Even if they didn’t have words, they’d still move you. People just love beautiful music, and we’re very lucky that Ireland has so much of it.