MICHAEL McGOLDRICK: FUSED

Michael McGoldrick: flute, uilleann pipes, tinwhistle, bodhran

Dezi Donnelly: fiddle

Alan Kelly: piano-accordion

Karen Matheson, Karan Casey: vocals

Donald Shaw: keyboards, programming

Manus Lunny: bouzouki, guitar

John Joe Kelly: bodhran

On this solo album, Michael McGoldrick has joined forces with Donal Shaw, of Capercaillie fame, to produce a very "cool" and seductive album which, while rooted in traditional music, would make the "pure drop" crowd frown. Shaw and the Capercaillie crew (Manus Lunny and Karen Matheson also appear) are known for creating interesting grooves with sometimes unexpected sound combinations and rich percussive arrays. On the opening track, for instance, tablas are first heard, and McGoldrick's flute is doubled (subtly) by a muted trumpet, which to my ear works. And McGoldrick is such a powerful player that the traditional element remains at center stage, and the music keeps focused. Dezi Donnelly (fiddle), Alan Kelly (accordion), and Karan Casey (she sings "Donal Og") make notable contributions.

Rating: ****

Price: $16.99                      

Our Catalogue 

See also:

      Michael McGoldrick & John McSherry: At First Light

         Lunasa: Lunasa

         Shannon, Gavin, McGoldrick, Murray: Tunes

         Shannon, McGoldrick, Donnelly, Murray: Renegade

Contents:

1. Watermans

2. James Brown's March

3. The Otter's Set

4. Goodbye Grant

5. Lough Mountain

6. Fisher Street

7. Teehan's

8. Windbroke

9. Buain na Choirce

10. Ridee

11. Reid's Reels

12. Hip Agus Hop

13. Donal Og