Brian McGrath: Pure Banjo

BRIAN McGRATH: PURE BANJO

Brian McGrath: banjo, guitar, tenor guitar, keyboards

Aidan Flanagan: flute

Alec Finn: bouzouki, guitar, tenor guitar

Arty McGlynn: guitar

Johnny McDonagh: bodhran

From Co. Fermanagh, Brian McGrath is an excellent banjo player who was a member of the original lineup of Four Men and a Dog and played those great duets with Cathal Hayden on the band’s debut album “Barking Mad.” He also recorded with John Carty a banjo duet album, “The Cat that Ate the Candle,” which is considered a must-have for those interested in Irish banjo playing. This is McGrath’s first solo recording, and it is a fine one, thanks in part to his being joined by such well-known accompanists as Alec Finn (bouzouki), Arty McGlynn (guitars), and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh (bodhran). In fact, the presence of Finn and McDonagh is not without giving an early-De-Danann flavor to some of the tracks. Most of the tunes are very well known, but it’s always a pleasure to hear a musician of McGrath’s caliber find a way to make such tunes interesting all over again. Among the lesser known numbers are a track of barndances sourced from Fermanagh melodeon player Jemmy Duffy, and a track of reels composed by London banjoist Mick O’Connor.

Rating: *** 1/2

Price: $24.99