THE GREEN FIELDS OF AMERICA
Mick Moloney: banjo, mandolin, guitar, vocals
Robbie O'Connell: guitar, vocals
John Doyle: guitar, bouzouki, vocals
Billy McComiskey: accordion
Athena Tergis: fiddle
with
Tim Collins: concertina
Ivan Goff: uilleann pipes, flute, tinwhistle
Jerry O'Sullivan: uilleann pipes
Bruce Molsky: fiddle
Mac Benford: 5-string banjo, vocals
Brendan Dolan: piano
The history of the Green Fields of America goes back some thirty years ago when, as a result of Mick Moloney gathering the finest Irish musicians in the US for the Bicentennial edition of the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival in Washington DC, funding was secured to take several of the participants (including Liz Carroll and Michael Flatley) on a tour of the US in 1978. Later tours involved different lineups, including such well-known Irish-American musicians as Seamus Egan and Eileen Ivers, and a live album was produced in 1989. The current lineup of the ensemble came together a few years ago during the famous Augusta Irish Week, and this new CD is the result of their recent work together. This is a tremendous album, thanks in part to the skills of John Doyle, who has become a major force in the production of Irish music recordings in the US, and to the participation of a stellar group of guest musicians, including the wonderful Kilfenora Ceili Band concertina player Tim Collins. The singing is excellent, much more stylistically focused than on some previous recordings featuring Moloney (who here almost sounds like Christy Moore at times) and O'Connell, the arrangements are well crafted and always a propos, and the instrumental work is first-class, with the set of slides being among my favorite tracks. One should also mention the contribution made by old-time greats Bruce Molsky and Mac Benford to a couple of tracks with a more American theme. A very pleasurable listening experience.
Rating: ****
Price: $16.99
