Seamus Bugler: The Luck Penny

SEAMUS BUGLER: THE LUCK PENNY

Seamus Bugler: accordion

Brendan Bugler: accordion, piano

Billy Greenall: piano

John O'Brien: piano

Seamus Bugler is an accordion player from East Co. Clare whose playing on the B/C system is very much in line with that of Paddy O'Brien, the man who re-invented Irish accordion playing on that system back in the 1950s. In fact, Paddy O'Brien's Co. Tipperary is just across the border from Bugler's home, and O'Brien's compositions are very much a part of Bugler's repertoire. The heavy Paolo Soprani sound and the piano accompaniments give this recording an undeniably old-fashioned sound, but the playing is excellent, and the selection of tunes, including compositions by O'Brien as well as Paddy Fahey, Vincent Broderick (East Co. Galway is not far either), Sean Ryan, and others, keeps the listener's attention. The two tracks featuring Bugler and his son Brendan on twin accordions are a lovely illustration of the traditional process in action. With a generous 20 tracks, there's plenty of music here. A solid performance and an enjoyable album.

Rating: *** 1/2

Price: $19.99