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
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See also:
   Oisin Mac Diarmada: Ar an bhFidil
   Teada: Irish Traditional Music
   Teada: Inne Amarach
Contents:
1. Reels: Reavy's / The Milliner's Daughter
2. Jigs: Bimis ag Ol / The Lark on the Strand
3. Hornpipe & Reels: The Pleasure of Hope / The Letterkenny Blacksmith / The Carraroe Reel
4. Air: Aghaidh Jhanuis
5. Reels: Farewell to Erin / The Morning Star
6. Hornpipes: Munster Grass / The Peacock's Feather
7. Jigs: The Humours of Kilclogher / Tell He I Am
8. Polkas: The Blue Ribbon / Church Street Polka
9. Slip Jigs: Tigh Rabhartaigh / Gort na Mona
10. Reels: The Pride of the Bronx / The Humours of Scariff
11. Jig: Sport
12. Reels: Tom Maguire's Fancy / The Flogging Reel
13. Jigs: Tommy Peoples' / Michael Dwyer's Jig
14. Reels: The Funny Reel / Billy McComiskey's
15. Reels: The Mason's Apron / Fred Finn's
16. Jigs: Jimmy McHugh's / The Humours of Trim
17. Reels: Caher Rua / Miss Lyon's Fancy