Mark Evans: A Rival Heart

MARK EVANS: A RIVAL HEART

Mark Evans: vocals, flute, whistles, bouzouki

Billy McComiskey: accordion

Eliot Grasso: uilleann pipes, low whistle

Jimmy Eagan, Dave Abe: fiddles

Zan McLeod: bouzouki, mandolin, guitar

Andy Thurston: guitar, tiple

Myron Bretholz: bodhran

An English native who learned his Irish music alongside the likes of the Conneelys, Kevin Crawford and Karen Tweed, Mark Evans just concluded a 5-year stay in the Washington DC/Baltimore area, during which he was a regular performer at local sessions, ceilis, and concerts, and leaving behind this lovely CD which he recorded with the help of local players. Although most of us knew Mark mostly as a first-rate flute and bouzouki player, this recording exposes another lesser known side of his musical talent, namely is fine singing of traditional Irish and British songs. Even when he sings such well-worn numbers as "The Bonnie Light Horseman," "The Death of Queen Jane" or "The Bantry Girl's Lament," Mark's voice and phrasing, which at times have echoes of Andy Irvine and Martin Carthy, make one pay attention. The arrangements, built around the combined string sounds of mandolin, bouzouki, and guitar, with flute, whistles, fiddle, and uilleann pipes providing the melodic counterpoint, are firmly in the tradition of Planxty and the Bothy Band. The title track for instance, a reworking of an English ballad to the Irish tune of "Casadh an tSugain," features a gorgeous introduction on harmonizing whistles. Although Mark's playing of dance tunes is also showcased on several tracks, I found the instrumental tracks less satisfying overall and not as true a reflection of what I knew Mark's abilities to be. At times, the pace of the music drags a bit and, despite the participation of talented musicians, including Billy McComiskey (accordion) and Eliot Grasso (uilleann pipes), the group playing can lack in cohesion and urgency. Some of this may have been due to the circumstances in which they were recorded, as Mark and his wife had to juggle the demands of his professional life and imminent relocation with that of finishing the album. Still, there are stellar moments, like Mark's performance of his own gorgeous slow reel "The Departure," aptly tinged with melancholy. Mark, we'll miss you.

Rating: *** 1/2

Price: $16.99