Cherish the Ladies — Rare Footage & Clips
In the sweltering January heat of 1985, a revolution was brewing in New York City's concert scene. It was here that Mick Moloney, a stalwart champion of Irish music, hatched a plan to shake up the status quo with his brainchild, Cherish the Ladies. This innovative ensemble would go on to shatter glass ceilings and redefine the boundaries of Celtic music in America.
Moloney's vision was clear: to create a platform for female musicians to take center stage in a genre long dominated by men. The result was a sold-out concert series that would become the foundation of Cherish the Ladies, an all-female super group that has been thrilling audiences with their unique blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic music ever since.
At its core, Cherish the Ladies is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. With Joanie Madden at the helm, playing flute and tin whistle with breathtaking virtuosity, the ensemble's sound is a rich tapestry woven from the diverse threads of their individual talents. From the soaring fiddle lines of Mary Shannon to the lilting bodhran beats of Eileen Ivers, each member brings her own unique voice to the table.
One of the most striking aspects of Cherish the Ladies' success lies in their ability to balance tradition with innovation. Their music is rooted in the rich heritage of Irish and Celtic folk, yet they never shy away from pushing boundaries or experimenting with new sounds. This willingness to take risks has led to some truly unforgettable moments, such as their 1992 album The Back Door, which features a haunting rendition of "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" that will leave even the most seasoned listeners breathless.
But Cherish the Ladies' significance extends far beyond their music itself. They represent a seismic shift in the way women are perceived and valued within the musical landscape. In an era where female artists were often relegated to secondary status or forced to conform to predetermined roles, Cherish the Ladies dared to be different. By embracing their femininity and celebrating their individuality, they paved the way for future generations of women in music.
Their impact can be seen in the numerous all-female ensembles that have followed in their footsteps, from The Chieftains' own female-led offshoots to the countless other groups who have been inspired by Cherish the Ladies' trailblazing spirit. And yet, despite their influence, Cherish the Ladies remains an anomaly – a true original, unafraid to chart their own course and defy expectations.
One of the most poignant moments in Cherish the Ladies' history is captured on their 1995 album Irish Women Musicians in America, which features a stunning rendition of "The Raggle Taggle Gypsy" that showcases the group's ability to breathe new life into traditional classics. This album is more than just a collection of songs – it's a testament to the enduring power of Celtic music and its ability to transcend borders and cultures.
As we delve deeper into Cherish the Ladies' discography, one thing becomes clear: these women are not just musicians – they're storytellers, historians, and keepers of tradition. Their music is a window into a world of myth and legend, where the boundaries between past and present blur and the spirits of old Ireland still linger.
Take, for example, their 1996 album New Day Dawning, which features a haunting rendition of "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" that captures the very essence of Irish folk music. Or their 1997 live album Live!, which showcases the group's ability to bring their music to life in the most intimate and personal way possible.
But Cherish the Ladies' significance extends far beyond their individual albums – it's about the impact they've had on the musical landscape as a whole. They've inspired countless other women to pick up instruments, form bands, and take center stage in a genre long dominated by men. And yet, despite their influence, they remain an enigma – a true original, unafraid to chart their own course and defy expectations.
As we look back on Cherish the Ladies' remarkable history, one thing becomes clear: these women are not just musicians – they're pioneers, trailblazers, and champions of Celtic music in America. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the boundless creativity of the human spirit.
And so, as we close this chapter on Cherish the Ladies, let us remember their music not just as a collection of songs, but as a window into a world of myth and legend. A world where the boundaries between past and present blur and the spirits of old Ireland still linger.
Curated from public records and music databases.
