Reviews

November 14, 2007 ~ THE Cottars: "Peace Carol": On November 6, 2007, Warner Music Canada released the latest winning installment in the Atlantic Standards series, Atlantic Standards Christmas, on CD. The Rhino release, Atlantic Standards Christma... [Read More]; Bob Mersereau, CBC-TV Arts Reporter
August 17, 2006 ~ DYNAMIC & RIVETING: "The Cottars deliver an ingenious, multifacted take on the folk music of their native Nova Scotia. With their dynamic and riveting music, captivating vocals, assured stage presence, and joyous step-da... [Read More]
May 7, 2006 ~ THE COTTARS: 'FORERUNNER'—A TURNING POINT (Pete Fyfe): "The Cottars have really come of age with this, their third recording. Comfortably filling the shoes once worn by The Rankin Family, Ciaran & Fiona MacGillivray and Roseanne & Jimmy MacKenzie have smo... [Read More]; Pete Fyfe (a folk music journalist from the UK whose reviews are published in several UK folk music magazines)
April 2, 2006 ~ THE COTTARS: "Forerunner" (Celtic Heritage Magazine): "When Gordie Sampson's first solo recording 'Stones' was released, I chatted with veteran Cape Breton musician Ralph Dillon (Buddy and the Boys, Rita MacNeil) at a release. He said when he listened... [Read More]
March 29, 2006 ~ THE COTTARS — "FORERUNNER": "At least part of the future of Celtic Folk-Music could lie in Canada. From there this quartet hails, founded by two pairs of siblings — and Chieftain Paddy Moloney presently seems to be their most pr... [Read More]
March 29, 2006 ~ THE COTTARS — "FORERUNNER" (review in German): "Die Zukunft der keltischen Folk-Musik könnte u.a. in Kanada liegen. Von dort nämlich stammt dieses aus zwei Geschwisterpärchen gebildete Quartett, und Chieftain Paddy Moloney ist gegenwärtig vermutli... [Read More]
March 22, 2006 ~ "FORERUNNER" - Spirited and Uplifting to Refined and Subtle: " … Be they polkas, jigs, strathspeys, or songs old and new, The Cottars performance throughout 'Forerunner' ranges from spirited and uplifting to refined and subtle, but then you'd expect little else... [Read More]
March 11, 2006 ~ HAIL TO THE CHIEFTAINS — The Boston Globe: "If you're a group of young musicians who perform Celtic-inspired music with an old Irish sound, maybe your best gig is opening for U2. The next best gig is opening for The Chieftains, the legendary C... [Read More]
February 18, 2006 ~ "FORERUNNER" FULL OF PROMISE FOR COTTARS: "To describe 'Forerunner', The Cottars' latest project, as a mature effort seems somewhat odd considering the ages of the four young artists who comprise this talented Cape Breton quartet. Yet mature ... [Read More]
February 4, 2006 ~ THE COTTARS CONFIDENT, EXPRESSIVE ON "FORERUNNER": By STEPHEN COOKE Entertainment Reporter (Halifax Chronicle Herald, Saturday, February 4, 2006) "THE THING ABOUT young musical acts is you have to gauge both their current talent, and their potential t... [Read More]
February 1, 2006 ~ THE COTTARS THRILL VANCOUVER ISLAND: NANAIMO – They're mega-talented, you and, during their recent cross-country tour, they came to Vancouver Island for what was surely an unforgettable concert.
The Cottars, a sensational Cape Breton ... [Read More]
February 1, 2006 ~ THE COTTARS ('FORERUNNER')—IN THE SPOTLIGHT: "The Cottars, two young brother-sister pairs from the wind-swept island of Cape Breton, deliver an ingenious, multifaceted take on the folk music of their native Nova Scotia on their US debut, ‘Foreru... [Read More]
January 22, 2006 ~ “FORERUNNER, A RARE TREAT” — Sunday Sun Showcase: "It's easy to take talented Cape Breton teens for granted. After all, it sometimes seems that babies there are distinguished not so much as boys and girls but as fiddlers and bodhrán players. But the ... [Read More]
January 17, 2006 ~ "FORERUNNER"—FOLK MEETS CELTIC MEETS POP: —Mario Tarradel, The Dallas Morning News, January 17th, 2006
From the windy island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia come The Cottars, a quartet comprising two sets of teenage siblings. Fiona MacGilli... [Read More]
January 11, 2006 ~ "FORERUNNER"—CELTIC PRODIGIES DO IT AGAIN!: "This is The Cottars' first US release, on Rounder Records. For those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to hear them live or on their first two Canadian releases, I'm sorry for you. This is ... [Read More]
January 9, 2006 ~ "Youthful Exuberance & A Mature Virtuosity" — Amazon com: “FORERUNNER”
Amazon.com Youth plus tradition has proven a popular equation, with the same dynamic propelling the teenaged Cottars as launched the careers of Nickel Creek, the precocious Peasall Si... [Read More]
January 8, 2006 ~ "FORERUNNER" CD - New York Post, January 8th, 2006: “FORERUNNER”
Reviewed by Dan Aquilante
New York Post
January 8, 2006 The Cottars
“Forerunner” (Rounder Records) 3 STARS out of 4 "UP in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, The Cottars, two brother... [Read More]
January 3, 2006 ~ The Boston Herald, Jan. 3/06: "Six Acts Poised For Breakthrough": The Boston Herald — "FOLK'S FRESH FACES: Six acts poised for an ’06 breakthrough"
By Daniel Gewertz/ Music, Tuesday, January 3, 2006 - Updated: 01:48 AM EST Folk music is the ultimate indie ge... [Read More]
August 15, 2005 ~ "Young Group Thrills Local Crowd In The Park On The Lake": LAKE GEORGE, NY — For many area teens, the streets of Lake George are a magnet, the place to kindle summer romances which may not survive the first ring of the autumn school bell.

But Wednesda... [Read More]
June 1, 2005 ~ THE COTTARS: "On Fire" — Pete Fyfe, Scotland: THE COTTARS – "On Fire" (Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX281) My, what a difference a couple of years makes! From their precocious debut album to this far more mature recording, The Cottars have come a lon... [Read More]
May 12, 2005 ~ Feedback / Dan MacDonald: The Cottars have rapidly moved from local musicians to international stars. They have also moved from being talented kids to being a cohesive group of young adults whose combined performance is even b... [Read More]
October 18, 2004 ~ GOODWILL AMBASSADORS: "…THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that all members of this House acknowledge and congratulate The Cottars for their tremendous success and recognize The Cottars as goodwill ambassadors for Cape Breton and al... [Read More]
September 1, 2004 ~ EXPERT PERFORMANCES: The roots of Celtic music show through in The Cottars, through expert performances and joyous dancing. — Jiji-Tsushin News Agency, Japan
July 1, 2004 ~ THE COTTARS: "ON FIRE" (a review): THE COTTARS...ON FIRE (a review) Writing a review of the Cottars "ON FIRE" CD will likely be one of the more difficult tasks that I have taken on in recent years. Certainly not due to the quality of w... [Read More]; Wanda Earhart
June 24, 2004 ~ "AWESOME CD, SIMPLY AWESOME": "More than two years ago, I sang the praises of 'Made In Cape Breton', the first recording from The Cottars. In that time, they have toured all across Canada, the United States and beyond. Now, their ... [Read More]; Dan MacDonald
December 13, 2003 ~ Uncanny: Even at ages 13-16, they have demonstrated an uncanny appreciation for the Celtic heritage of Cape Breton Island. Playing, singing, and step-dancing their way into the hearts of music fans throughout ... [Read More]; Celtic Arts Center, West Hollywood, California
December 7, 2003 ~ Dynamic: Fiery fiddling, dynamic instrumentalists, angelic singing — they also tell a fine story and are liable to break out some of the fanciest stepdancing moves around. For sheer talent and engaging stage-p... [Read More]; The Freight & Salvage, Berkeley, California
December 5, 2003 ~ Excitement: Four young musicians, full of excitement and joy!; Peery's Egyptian Theater, Utah
November 1, 2003 ~ Absolutely breathtaking: What you will hear is absolutely breathtaking—shooting stars of incredible talent! This young band is taking the whole world by storm.; "Real Good Music", Arizona
October 24, 2003 ~ Unforgettable: These four young Celts have all been playing traditional music since early childhood. From haunting folk tunes to up-tempo traditional and contemporary Celtic tunes, this performance offers a glimpse ... [Read More]; The Jubilee Theatre (Summerside, PE)
October 24, 2003 ~ Superstars: (Translation) All over Europe and in North America, Celtic music has produced a number of superstars, such as Enya and U2. The band that is attracting the biggest and increasing attention in 2003 is a... [Read More]; Sankei Living/City Wave, Japan
October 19, 2003 ~ Tremendous musical maturity: The Cottars is Cape Breton's youngest Celtic band. The folk traditions of this tiny musical mecca are ancient, unique, and respected in Gaelic music circles the world over. The youthful band members t... [Read More]; The Capitol Theatre, October 19, 2003
October 1, 2003 ~ Lively and lovely: CRITIC'S CHOICE There must be something the air of the Maritime Provinces: first The Rankin Family from Nova Scotia, and now The Cottars from Cape Breton Island, with the same talent for singing and p... [Read More]; The Scottish Lion
October 1, 2003 ~ Impresive: The Cottars are possibly the biggest group to emerge from Cape Breton since The Rankin Family's rise to prominence more than a decade ago. And, given their ages, the legacy they could leave is hard to... [Read More]; Celtic Heritage (Jason MacNeil)
October 1, 2003 ~ Terrific: They are terrific singers, musicians, and dancers—but they're also great kids!; Oisin McCauley (of the Irish superband Danú)
September 11, 2003 ~ Stunning performance: Cape Breton's young Celtic quartet The Cottars are having quite a month. On Tuesday, they received their first Gemini Award nomination for their stunning performance at the 2003 East Coast Music Award... [Read More]; The Halifax Herald
September 10, 2003 ~ Stardom: Since forming in the fall of 2000, this young quartet has been on the fast-track for stardom.; Chris Connors, CB Post
September 1, 2003 ~ Poised for stardom: The Cottars are poised for international stardom. This multi-talented vocal & instrumental quartet of angelic voices and musical prowess captivates audiences with their spirited performances.
Young... [Read More]; ArtSpring, BC (summer/03)
August 31, 2003 ~ Wonderkids: Folkemusikkens Wonderkids!; Helge Wolffhechel, Jydskevestkysten , Denmark
June 22, 2003 ~ Exceedingly gifted: Youth, Talent & Spirit Collide In Cape Bretoners The Cottars—this exceedingly gifted young foursome is captivating audiences, winning fans, and garnering critical acclaim all over North America with e... [Read More]; Mid-South Celtic Arts Alliance, Memphis, TN (US), June 22/03
May 1, 2003 ~ Celtic royalty: Cape Breton’s New Celtic Royalty. The Cottars is made up of two sets of siblings from musical families, who together are nothing short of spectacular... 'Made In Cape Breton' is a brilliant collection... [Read More]; Lynn Horne for Saltscapes magazine, May/June
December 12, 2002 ~ Destiny: The Cottars Destined To Become The Next Rankin Family" Not so long ago, Cape Breton unleashed The Rankin Family upon the world. And they definitely left their mark. Well, now it’s time for another gen... [Read More]; Raymond J. Arsenault, October 12. 2002
November 17, 2002 ~ Wowed: Fiona MacGillivray of The Cottars wowed the audience at the IWK Great Big Gig. The house rose in thunderous applause after Fiona's lilting ballad, 'The Briar and the Rose'. To say she has the voice of... [Read More]; Greg Guy, The Sunday Herald, November 17, 2002
November 15, 2002 ~ East coast success: If there has been one true success story on the East Coast this year, it has been the dramatic rise of The Cottars, the youthful quartet featuring the vocal and instrumental talents of Ciarán & Fiona ... [Read More]; Doug Gallant, THE GUARDIAN
November 2, 2002 ~ Astonishingly supple: Club Passim (Harvard Square) is presenting the Cottars, a Cape Breton quartet, aged 12-15. Astonishingly supple artists, they are among the hottest acts in the folk world today with their prodigious f... [Read More]; "The Boston Globe" (Scott A.)
October 24, 2002 ~ Nobody can resist: John McDermott notches up his appeal on the current Maritime tour by adopting The Cottars. Nobody can resist this quartet of energetic kids. They know all the tunes, they know the style, and, best of ... [Read More]; Stephen Pedersen, The Mail-Star, October 24/02
October 14, 2002 ~ Phenomenon: Remember the name Fiona MacGillivray. At age 12, this Cape Breton phenomenon already has a voice reminiscent of early Alison Krauss.
In a few years, reviewers will return to this recording to expla... [Read More]; "Sing Out!"
August 15, 2002 ~ Professionalism: The Cottars' love of what they do is immediately evident—as well as their professionalism. The Cottars are awesome!; The Upton & Mendon Town Crier, Mass.
August 15, 2002 ~ Miracle: The Cottars from Cape Breton are so good and so young, they seem both a miracle and a pure jubilation!; "The Boston Herald", Newport Folk Festival
August 5, 2002 ~ Fiddled and burned: When the prepubescent Cottars fiddled and burned, The Family Stage was the happiest place in Rhode Island!; "The Boston Herald", ("Folkies Heat Up Newport Stages")
August 5, 2002 ~ Astonishing skill: The Cape Breton-based Cottars—a family of children who sing and play traditional material with astonishing skill—turned the ear of anyone lucky enough to catch their beautiful music.; The Boston Globe, ("Diverse Talent At Newport")
July 1, 2002 ~ Rare: It is rare when a musical recording or group comes along that captures my attention. I really do enjoy music, but have not been a big fan of too many performers, like most people seem to be. I've alwa... [Read More]; "Northwest Scots Guard"
June 6, 2002 ~: A stunning debut CD. They aren't merely good for their age, they are an unusually expressive band, period!
Guitarist, Jimmy MacKenzie, is 15, and his sister, Roseanne, at 12 is a true fiddle prodig... [Read More]; Daniel Gewertz, "The Boston Herald"
June 3, 2002 ~ Powerhouse: Ciarán, Fiona, Jimmy, and Roseanne all bring considerable talent to form a powerhouse of young performers who continue to stun audiences.
Once you witness their 'live' show, the level of respect is... [Read More]; "Celtic Heritage"
June 2, 2002 ~ Ambassadors: The Cottars are fast becoming one of the most successful (and youngest) ambassadors for Celtic music ever to cross the Causeway to spread the word on traditional playing. This energenic foursome are n... [Read More]; "What's Goin' On"
June 1, 2002 ~ Immensely talented: This is a well-produced first recording of four immensely talented young people who are very immersed in their culture. It is brilliant, beautiful, and marvelous to listen to for hours. These voices a... [Read More]; Diane Byrnes, "Echoes of Happenings", Pittsburg
June 1, 2002 ~ Hottest export: They are being hailed as the hottest export from Canada, and it's easy to see why. It looks like The Cottars are on their way to international stardom.; SureShot Promotions
May 6, 2002 ~ Congratulations: ...Whereas with music and a sound that sets them apart, the Celtic quartet (The Cottars) has just released its first album, 'Made In Cape Breton'; and whereas ranging in age from 11 to 14, this group ... [Read More]; Cecil Clarke, Nova Scotia House of Assembly
May 4, 2002 ~ Shivers: Fiona (MacGillivray) is the lead vocalist, and she sends shivers down your spine on such songs as 'Ballinderry' and 'The Briar and the Rose'. Following in the footsteps of such legendary Cape Breton b... [Read More]; "Canadian Celtic Music Website"
May 2, 2002 ~ Perfection: When it comes to The Cottars, everything that aligns to create perfection is certainly in place. It's sheer pleasure, from beginning to end, to experience the tremendous range of emotions that these f... [Read More]; "What's Goin' On"
May 2, 2002 ~ Magic voice: Fiona MacGillivray's voice is nothing less than magic!; Wanda Earhart, "What's Goin' On"
April 28, 2002 ~ Fresh face: Cape Breton’s Cottars put a fresh face on folk.; Stephen Cooke, The Sunday Herald
April 23, 2002 ~ PAcked houses: The Cottars are playing to packed houses and earning rave reviews.; The Advertiser, Kentville, NS
April 2, 2002 ~ Extremely talented: You are an extremely talented young group, and I was very impressed by your performance. I'm sure the future holds great things for you.; Senator Edward Kennedy, Mass.
April 1, 2002 ~ Exceptional: These are four exceptional young people, talented well beyond their years and firmly grounded in music and tradition. This is Cape Breton's next shot at stardom.; Dan MacDonald, Cape Breton Post
March 15, 2002 ~ over-achieving: Who dares to share the stage with this over-achieving foursome!; The Boston Globe
March 15, 2002 ~ By storm: The Cottars will take America by Storm.; John McDermott, television interview
January 28, 2002 ~ Clever: Very clever arrangements of some great old tunes by some really fine 'new' musicians.; William Ramoutar, "Irish Ways" radio, Florida
January 25, 2002 ~ Rousing: With rousing Cape Breton fiddle sets and heart-tugging Celtic ballads, The Cottars are finding a fresh approach to this ancient music... This group shines with their virtuosity.; Sandy MacDonald, Sunday Daily News
January 20, 2002 ~ Audience captivated: Wherever they have appeared, their professionalism has captivated the audience. And besides being outstanding performers, their commentary effortlessly bridges the gap between fun and thoughtfulness.; Donnie Campbell, "Celtic Serenade", CKPE Radio
January 4, 2002 ~ Dynamos: Celtic Dynamos!; Greg Guy, The Chronical Herald/Mail Star
January 3, 2002 ~ Astonishing: Cape Breton's tiny Celtic band, the astonishing Cottars performed with professional ease.; Stephen Pederson, The Halifax Herald
January 2, 2002 ~ Musically gifted: Obviously musically gifted.; Laurel Munroe, The Cape Breton Post
January 1, 2002 ~ Real kids: They are real kids who do amazing stuff. They're wonderful as individuals but, when they're together, there's a kind of exponential magic.; Charlie Cahill, New Scotland Pictures
December 8, 2001 ~ Joy & talent: Vocal harmonies, well-arranged instrumentals, engaging banter, the joy of performing and—oh, yes—talent! This band has it all!; Rambles
October 25, 2001 ~ Standing ovation: The band brought the audience to its feet with toe-tapping, hand-clapping Celtic music and a stage presence which was a joy to behold!; Clan MacGillivray Newsletter
August 24, 2001 ~ Stunning: The young artists' stage presence was stunning! The audience gave The Cottars three standing ovations.; The Cape Cod Times
July 25, 2001 ~ Stunning: A stunning revelation of gifted youth.; The Inverness Oran
January 5, 2001 ~ Force to be reckoned with: Although small in stature and young in age, it was clear from the moment the band took the stage that they were a force to be reckoned with. Indeed, after the first set of tunes they played, the audie... [Read More]; Cheryl Turner (for Celtic Colours International)