Harry Bradley: As I Carelessly Did Stray...

HARRY BRADLEY: AS I CARELESSLY DID STRAY...

Harry Bradley: flute, tinwhistle

Jesse Smith: fiddle

Paul O'Shaughnessy: fiddle

John Blake: guitar, piano

Seamus O'Kane: bodhrán

Anthony McGrath: bouzouki

Seosamh Ó Neachtain: dancing

This 2002 recording, Harry Bradley's second (but the only one of the two still available), is as brilliantly played as his first. On this installment, the Belfast-born musician plays flutes in C, D, and Eb, as well as marching band flute and Clarke C whistle, and is joined by a formidable group of guest musicians. Bradley derives inspiration from the great players of the 1920s, particularly Leitrim flute player John McKenna and Sligo fiddle player James Morrison, and tunes borrowed from their recorded repertoire are featured on several tracks here, for instance the great barndances on which Bradley is joined by Jesse Smith. Bradley's strong tone, trademark pulsing breath, and great sense for melodic invention are in evidence throughout, and this album is and will remain one of the "must-hear" in Irish traditional flute music.

Rating: ****

Price: $21.99 Recommended