The London Lasses and Pete Quinn: Track Across the Deep

THE LONDON LASSES AND PETE QUINN: TRACK ACROSS THE DEEP

Elaine Conwell: fiddle

Karen Ryan: fiddle, tinwhistle

Deirdre Havlin: flute, tinwhistle

Maureen: Linane: accordion

Kathleen O'Sullivan: vocals

Pete Quinn: piano, keyboard

This is the Lasses' second album and, since their first, there have been a few changes in the line-up. While Sharon Whelton has been replaced on flute and whistle by the great Deirdre Havlin, formerly with the great northern Irish band Deanta, and Maureen Linnane's accordion has taken the place of Bernie Conneely's banjo as the fourth member of the instrumental unit. As a result, the band's sound has become noticeably more fluid. Furthermore, Pete Quinn's piano accompaniments, which I found somewhat showy and overly up front on the first album, are now much better integrated into the musical fabric. Last but not least, the band is no longer just an instrumental band thanks to their being joined by the excellent singer Kathleen O'Sullivan, whose distinctive voice and sean-nos singing style can also be heard on her solo CD "Born on St. Patrick's Day." The result is a well-balanced collection of tunes and songs performed by accomplished musicians working well together.

Rating: *** 1/2

Price: $24.99