VARIOUS: COME WEST ALONG THE ROAD 2 (DVD)
This second installment of film clips from the RTE Archives, totaling 152 minutes (52 clips) and dating from the 1960s to the 1980s, is very much in the same vein as the first, and while the "wow" factor may not be perhaps quite as high as with the first volume, there is still much to enjoy here. Like on the first DVD, there's a wide range of material, including again clips of the heroes of the 1970s revival, but in slightly different situations. From the same Bothy Band concert featured on Vol. 1, Kevin Burke is shown singing the hilarious "Mrs. Gilhooley's Party," with impeccable comedic timing and great lilting to boot; Andy Irvine, Paul Brady, and Donal Lunny give a powerful performance of Irvine's Balkan-tinged arrangement of "Plains of Kildare"; Frankie Gavin, Jackie Daly, and Alec Finn deliver a lively set of reels; and Dolores Keane and Reel Union give a wonderful rendition of "Craigie Hills." But perhaps more interesting even are the clips featuring some of the well-known figures of the tradition, like Fred Finn and Peter Horan, Seamus Ennis, and Larry McDonagh. Some of the much lesser known players are also a delight, like Mary Brogan on the harmonica, Liz King on the whistle, and Ella Mae Dwyer on the concertina. The Donegal fiddle tradition is well represented, with a clip featuring seven fiddle players among whom are Con Cassidy, Francie Byrne, Vincent Campbell, and James Byrne. Another clip shows a very young Brid Harper already demonstrating her considerable talent on the fiddle, and another is of fiddle player Michael Gallagher, with a young Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh looking on. There also a few noteworthy clips of dancing, some great sean-nos steps by Paidi Ban O'Broin, and a lovely group dance choreographed to resemble the famous Tara brooch. An there is more to discover. This DVD is "all-regions."
Rating: ****
Price: $35.99
Recommended
Recommended
