RANDAL BAYS: THE SALMON'S LEAP
Randal Bays: fiddle
John Williams: accordion
Leo McNamara: flute
Joel Bernstein: harmonica
Gerry O'Beirne: guitar, ukulele
Dave Marshall: piano

Unlike his previous solo CD "Out of the Woods," where he assumed  both lead player and accompanist roles, Randal mostly plays fiddle here--except for two pieces on solo guitar--and leaves the accompaniment to guest musicians, among whom Gerry O'Beirne. Other lead players include Leo McNamara (flute), Joel Bernstein (harmonica), and John Williams (accordion) on two live tracks. Recorded somewhat "off the cuff" at Randal's house, the album has the kind of freshness and spontaneity that one can achieve in such conditions. The tunes include seldom heard gems as well as several of Randal's own compositions.

Rating: *** 1/2

Price:  $16.99
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Contents:
1. Reels: Bill McEvoy's Reel / Maids of Mt. Kisco
2. Marches: The Ninety-Nine March / The Ninety-Eight March
3. Slip Jigs: The Golden Gardens / The Salmon's Leap
4. Reels: The Ragged Hank of Yarn / Rolling in the Barrel / In the Tap Room / The Ten-Pound Float
5. Molly St. George
6. The First Hard Rain / Ryan's Rant
7. Jigs: The Shaskeen Jig / The Floating Bridge
8. Air: A Stor mo Chroi
9. Reels: Green Grow the Rushes O / Tim Moloney's
10. Hornpipe & Reel: The Gypsy Princess / Woman of the House
11. Reels: The Shores of Lough Graney / Ormond Sound
12. Maurice O'Connor / Carolan's Welcome
13. Jigs: East of Glendart / The King of the Pipers
14. The Princess Royal
15. Reels: Mary Claflin's / The Noon Lasses
16. Air: Lament for teh Great Forests
See also:
    Randal Bays: Out of the Woods
     Randal Bays & Joe Bernstein: Pigtown Fling