The Magic Square: Traditional Irish Music from Boston

THE MAGIC SQUARE: TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC FROM BOSTON

Dan Isaacson: flute, whistle, bouzouki

Dave Cory: banjo, bodhran, bouzouki

Breige Quinn: fiddle

Ted Davis: guitar

with

Tina Lech, George Keith: fiddles

Peter Molloy: flute

In recent years, the Boston Irish music scene has become one of the most vibrant this side of the Atlantic, thanks in part to an abundance of venues sympathetic to traditional music and to the many musicians which they have attracted to the area. Among them were the four excellent musicians featured on this CD, Dave Cory (banjo, bodhran, bouzouki, guitar) from San Francisco, Dan Isaacson (flute, whistle, bouzouki) from Maryland, Breige Quinn (fiddle) from South Co. Armagh, and Ted Davis (guitar) from Massachusetts. The four met playing at sessions around town and decided to record this album to try to preserve some of what made their music-making memorable. What the recording lacks at time in sound quality and production is easily made up for by the great feeling of spontaneity and communal enjoyment which comes through. Each musician brings different flavors to the pot. Quinn's strong fiddle playing is usually at the forefront, as are Cory's creative banjo lines, while Isaacson's flute playing, equally good, seemingly works more behind the scenes in a complementary way. The eclectic choice of tunes reflects the typical mix of session playing, with some old favorites alongside the "latest tunes" from the hot band or record of the day. Guest appearances by Boston luminaries Peter Molloy (flute), Tina Lech and George Keith (fiddles).

Rating: *** 1/2

Price: $16.99