Recordings

Discography:

New Release November 2017

New Release May 2017

Pilgrim Voyage

Recently composed songs based on the theme of voyage. This recording is different from previous recordings with mostly refrains and chants that are simple and intentionally repetitive and including a version of two traditional songs, ‘Speed Bonnie Boat’ and ‘The Water is Wide’. These songs were first composed and performed to accompany the story of St Brendan the Navigator at a retreat with Cynthia Bourgault. They beg participation and are filled with themes for navigating the spiritual journey with hope and courage, across the symbolic deep ocean of spiritual growth toward the ultimate horizon, ‘the land promised to the saints’.

The Land promised to the saints
Steer safely
The Power of Now
Speed Bonnie Boat
The Water is Wide
Pilgrim Voyage
I hear a voice calling
Take Notice and Let Go
You’re a Star
I stand on Holy Ground
In the name of the Three

Dance with Me

This is a long awaited recording after a long silence. Out of the long silence, due to ‘life circumstances’, has emerged an inspiring selection of songs and a noticeable deepening in timbre. Songs are again influenced by themes from the Celtic Tradition and the spiritual journey. There is a fresh invitation to participation, with simple choruses that were often part of her presentations but not always included in recordings. These ritually friendly songs are juxtaposed with songs of real depth and spiritual experience.

Songs include:

Dance with Me
I AM
The Shepherd Song
Help Me
Linger Lovingly
Carry Us
Let the waters flow
Follow the wind
I open my eyes to you
I Wish you the Light

We Will Remember (with reflections by Geraldine Holton)

A selection of songs composed by Carmel Boyle interwoven with inspiring reflections composed and narrated by Geraldine Holton. The title song was composed for the dedication of the tower of remembrance at Stirling New Jersey for the families affected by the tragedy of 9/11. The theme is universal in that it honours the memory of those who have gone before us. The celtic influence is evident in several of the tracks including the Irish Blessing- ‘May the road Rise to meet you’, ‘Circle me O God’ based on St. Patrick’s Breastplate and ‘Tar Anuas’- Come upon us Holy Spirit.

Songs include:

We Will Remember – a song composed for the families affected by the tragedy of September 11 at Stirling New Jersey
May the Road Rise to Meet You -The Irish Blessing
Circle me O God -based on St. Patrick’s Breastplate
Be Still
Tar anuas
Touch the Earth-composed by Cathy Sherman arranged by Carmel
Sacred Space
Seasons

A Christmas Blessing
A selection of songs for the Christmas season

Star
Drummer Boy
Silent Night
Holy Night
Promise Fulfilled
What Child is this
A Christmas Blessing

White Wings and Roses (based on poetry of St Therese)

This selection of songs, composed and sung by Carmel Boyle, are inspired by the poetry of St. Therese of Liseaux. Carmel was approached by a Carmelite priest who asked her to consider writing a song to honour St. Therese and he sent her poetry and writings of the saint known as ‘The Little Flower’. These writings spoke to Carmel at a very deep level. She began a journey with the saint that was to lead to the composing of ten songs based on her poetry. Carmel gave the first performances of these songs during the pilgrimage of the saint’s relics to Ireland and has facilitated retreats on the theme. The recording is simple withvery few instruments. They are a profound and intimate interpreting of the poetry of st Therese that speak of the rich interior life and prayer of the great saint. They are a musical interpretation of the saints ‘Little Way’.

Some songs include:

Behold
Just for today
Unpettalled Rose
Magnificat
Come into my heart
Rock you tenderly
Joy is in my heart
Living on love

Celtic Dawn (based on Celtic prayers)

These songs composed and sung by Carmel Boyle are inspired by translations of ancient Celtic prayers collected in Ireland and Scotland. The themes and prayers are rooted in the unique expression of Celtic Christianity from 6^th century to 10^th century, a period described at the Golden Era of Celtic Christianity. They are songs of prayer and devotion that invoke the Trinity and the angels and saints. Through Carmel’s contemporary interpretation these ancient prayers and themes still have the power speak to the Celtic Christian heart today.

Song titles include

Mary of the Gael
Shield
Guardian Angel
Trinity Anthem
Kindling Song
Smooring Song
Healer of my Heart
The Eye of God
Deep Peace
Mind of God

Celtic Songs of Earth and Heaven (with Briege O Hare)

This is a recording by Carmel Boyle of songs composed for her by Sr. Briege O Hare. This is Carmel’s second collaboration with Briege and her first recording of songs inspired by the Celtic Christian spiritual tradition. Lyrics are based on prayers collected by Alexander Carmichael in the Carmina Gadelica and further interpreted by Esther de Waal in The Celtic Vision. The music is simple and powerful. The songs make a journey through the rhythm of the day from Morning Prayer to Night prayer, a journey that is made in the company of angels and saints.

Songs include:

In the likeness of Jesus
Being of Life
Night Prayer
Journey Blessing
Morning Prayer
Invocation
Behold the Virgin

Seeking Wholeness (songs of the spiritual journey)

This recording is a compilation of two albums that were originally available in cassette form. They have been re-edited and a selection chosen for this compilation recording. They are songs that have been inspired by Carmel’s spiritual journey. They express the reflections of a spiritual seeker and the highs and lows of a healing journey and path to spiritual unfolding. It is a personal journey that has a resonance for others seeking healing and wholeness.

You are the lamp He is the Light
You healed me
Brokenness made Whole
My Child
You touched me
Second chance
The truth of who I am
Nothing is impossible

Close to You (Selection of some popular contemporary hymns)

Over the years Carmel has often sung at funerals and these songs are a selection of songs that she often sang on such occasions. They are songs of comfort and hope in challenging times. They are well known hymns composed by popular contemporary American Christian songwriters.

Songs include:

Be not afraid
I watch the sunrise
Lay your hands
Deep calls to deep
I will never forget you
Pie Jesu
Come to me all who labour
I thank my God each time I think of you

Valley of the Boyne (Selection of Irish ballads)

This recording was made over twenty years ago and was originally available on cassette. It was recently made available in CD format. It contains a selection of well know Irish ballads which were part of Carmel’s repertoire in her Irish Cabaret days. Also included is an original composition by Carmel inspired by the beautiful Boyne Valley area.

Songs include;

The Spinning Wheel
Danny Boy
The town I love so well
Valley of the Boyne
Old Rustic Bridge
Home I’ll be
Raglan Road

Taste the Hidden Sweetness (letters of St. Clare with Briege O Hare)

This is Carmel’s first collaboration with composer Sr. Briege O Hare. It is a song cycle inspired by the letters of St. Clare of Assisi to Blessed Agnes of Prague. They are songs of the inner life based on letters of spiritual direction and support. They demonstrate spiritual friendship and a deep commitment to the interior life and a profound expression of love for God.

Songs include:

You have chosen life
Gaze upon the Lord
Before I say farewell
Give thanks to the giver of life
Make yourself beautiful

There is Love

There is Love was Carmel’s first recording of spiritually orientated songs. The recording was for Veritas Publications and the songs were suitable for singing at weddings. This recording is not available at the moment.

Only Love

A selection of Nana Mouskouri hits including:

Only Love
The Loving Song
Maybe this time
Try to remember
Ove and Over