ALBUM REVIEW: Cara Dillon, Hill of Thieves

Hill of Thieves is the fourth album from Irish singer, Cara Dillon; it’s also the first release on Dillon and her husband, Sam Lakeman’s Charcoal label.

Hill of Thieves could very well be the best album of Dillon’s career; she’s kept things simple marking a slight change back to a more acoustic, low-key sound, which allows Dillon’s stunning vocals take centre stage.

Making the album was somewhat a family affair as Dillon’s husband, Sam worked as producer as well as providing most of the guitar, piano and percussion work. Sam’s brother’s Seth and Sean Lakeman also contribute on this beautifully crafted album which contains readings of well-known traditional folk songs.

There’s a real mix on the album with the relaxed sweeping acoustic guitars, gentle whistles and uilleann pipes and crystal clear vocals of the title track to the more urgent, upbeat treatment of tracks like Johnny, Lovely Johnny and Spencer the Rover, driven by Seth Lakeman's guitar, vocals and fiddle work.

Sam’s piano-playing comes to the fore on False, False and sounds so elegant on The Verdant Braes of Skreen. Dillon’s stunning performance on the classic The Parting Glass demonstrates beautifully her genuine emotion on delivery. The Lass of Glenshee is a highlight a truly beautiful song.

Dillon demonstrates perfectly why she is one of the worlds leading folk singers in the closing track Fil, Fil A Run Ó which is sung totally a cappella.

Hill of Thieves is a beautifully crafted album with Cara Dillon’s stunning vocals coupled with superb arrangements.

Track listing
1. The Hill of Thieves
2. Johnny, Lovely Johnny
3. The Parting Glass
4. Spencer the Rover
5. False, False
6. Jimmy Mó Mhíle Stór
7. She Moved Through The Fair
8. P Stands For Paddy/Lament For Johnny
9. The Verdant Braes of Skreen
10. The Lass of Glenshee
11. Fil, Fil A Run Ó