LA LUGH: BRIGHID'S KISS
La Lugh was essentially the husband-and-wife team of Gerry O'Connor (fiddle) and the late Eithne Ni Uallachain (vocals, flute). Ni Uallachain's exceptional and much missed singing is prominently featured on this 1995 release, a concept album created around the theme of the Irish religious figure Brighid. The opening title track begins with a stunning choir of voices, all sung by her, while Ni Uallachain's rendition of "Lough Erne Shore" is enough to bring mist to the corner of a grown man's eye. Although Ni Uallachain was also a most capable flute and whistle player, it is O'Connor's energetic fiddle playing which tends to dominate in the arrangements of the instrumental tracks. Both vocal and instrumental elements are combined on "Omeath Music," a longer track which forms an apt centerpiece for the album. O'Connor's mother Rose, and the couple's two children, all fiddle players, join the pair on an exciting track of jigs. Also participating is a select group of supporting players which includes Breton guitarist Gilles Le Bigot, Neil Martin on cello, and Martin O'Hare on bodhran. Notably, a didgeridoo is also included at times in the arrangements, adding a mysterious touch in keeping with the mythical theme of the album.
Rating: *** 1/2
Price: $19.99
Contents:
1. Song: Brighid's Kiss
2. Highland & Reels: Donal Dubh
3. Song: Beltaine Song
4. Air & March: The Rose in the Garden
5. Song: Ta se 'na la
6. Jigs: Nigel and Dianna's
7. A Bruxo
8. Omeath Music
9. Highland & Reels: Marquis of Huntley Set
10. Jigs: Three Generation Jigs
11. Song: Lough Erne Shore
