Dervish: Midsummer's Night

DERVISH: MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT (1999)

Dervish has been one of... well, alright, my favorite Irish group in recent years. The powerful instrumental leads, the band's superior choice of material and arranging skills, and Cathy Jordan's voice and delivery are a few of the reasons. So a new Dervish album is always an event. However, since their last one, the fantastic "Live in Palma," the band has undergone some changes. Fiddler Shane McAleer has been replaced by Tom Morrow, who does a good job filling McAleer's shoes, and Seamus O'Dowd (guitar, fiddle, harmonica) has joined the ranks to make this a 7-piece band! As a result, the accompaniment part of the mix has grown heavier, which to my ear is not necessarily for the better. There is some experimentation in the chords which also do not agree with me, and Cathy Jordan here and there sounds a bit like a pop singer. But I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, this is a transitional album. Their video (see the videos section) by the same title is superb.

Rating: ***1/2

Price: $16.99