DARREN MALONEY: WHO?

Darren Maloney: banjo, electric banjo, mandolin

Joe Brennan: guitar

Richie Lyons: bodhran

Brian Fleming: percussion

Introduced by Kieran Hanrahan as an emerging talent who is "fearless on frets and pre-eminent with plectrum," Darren Maloney is indeed an agile and daring player on the tenor banjo, yet his impressive technique doesn't shout "look at me," but rather remains at all times at the service of the music. Put that together with a bit of an Elvis Costello look and a humorously self-deprecating title, and you get a very appealing impression of the musician. Which might convince you to take the risk and investigate further, even when you know that most of the tunes on the album are Maloney's own compositions and, while sometimes conforming to traditional forms, are definitely stretching the bounds of the idiom. Again, not one for the "pure-drop" chasers, but Maloney's playing is worth the price of admission.

Rating: *** 1/2

Price: $19.99

Our Catalogue 

Contents:

1. Atholl's

2. Cinq Joumelles

3. Annaghmakerrig

4. inP karoNg

5. Vonnie's

6. Briste

7. Ample Warning

8. Kandy Girls

9. Irun

10. Con's

11. Graffiti

12. Rundown