Oisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Michael O'Ruanaigh: Traditional Music on Fiddle, Banjo, and Harp

OISIN MAC DIARMADA, BRIAN FITZGERALD, MICHEAL O RUANAIGH: TRADITIONAL MUSIC ON FIDDLE, BANJO & HARP

Oisin MacDiarmada: fiddle

Brian Fitzgerald: banjo

Micheal O'Ruanaigh: harp

John Blake: guitar

Seamus Quinn: piano

Junior Davey, Tristan Rosenstock: bodhran

A lovely CD--if an unlikely combination of instruments at first glance (but it works)--by a very talented group of young musicians who have become quite well-known. Mac Diarmada, originally from Clare but living in Sligo, is in much demand as an instructor at summer schools and won the Senior All-Ireland title in 1999. His superb playing combines flawless technique and a very distinctive style, with a great flair for using syncopations and crafting tune settings. Fitzgerald, from Limerick, also an All-Ireland champion (1997), has a straightforward style and crisp ornamentation, achieving a rare balance between virtuosity and clarity, as well as a great fit with Mac Diarmada's fiddle playing. Michael Rooney, from Monaghan, holds All-Ireland titles on both concertina and harp. His playing as an accompanist or melody player, of dance tunes as well as of the newly composed slow air "Aghaidh Jhanuis," complements perfectly that of the other musicians. Additional accompanists enhance the whole further. The repertoire is well chosen and well "traced" as well. Most recommended!

Rating: ****

Price: $22.99 Recommended