PAUL McGRATTAN: KEELWEST

Paul McGrattan: flute

Paddy Glackin: fiddle

Arty McGlynn: guitar

Noel O'Grady: bouzouki

Gavin Ralston: keyboard

Colm Murphy: bodhran

It's been 10 years since McGrattan's last solo album, but this brand new offering was worth the wait. His playing is very strong, but not overly driving, a nice balance of great tone and fluidity. He has come up with an interesting selection of tunes, mixing classics of the flute repertoire with Donegal tunes sourced from people like John Doherty and Con Cassidy and more readily associated with the fiddle. In particular, Paul does a great job on the air "Paddy's Rambles Through the Park," to the accompaniment of howling winds and lashing rain--the album was recorded at McGrattan's house on Achill Island, and that particular track was recorded during a powerful storm which can be heard in the background. There are a couple of duets with well-known fiddle player Paddy Glackin, and the accompanists, Arty McGlynn (guitar), Noel O'Grady (bouzouki), and Colm Murphy (bodhran), are among the best in the business.

Rating: ****

Price: $17.99Recommended

Our Catalogue 

See also:

   The Frost is All Over

   Paul McGrattan & Paul O'Shaughnessy: Within a Mile of Dublin

   Paul O'Shaughnessy: Stay Another While

    Beginish

    Beginish: Stormy Weather

Contents:

1. Reels: The Dispute at the Crossroads / Murphy's Hound / The Satin Slipper

2. Jigs: The Lark on the Strand / The Geese in the Bog / The Eavesdropper

3. Hornpipes: The Fisher's / John Egan's

4. Air: Paddy's Rambles Through the Park

5. Con Cassidy's Barndances

6. Jigs: Down the Back Lane / Donall na Greine / The Priest in his Boots

7. Reels: The Sporting Days of Easter / Untitled / Micho Russell's

8. Reels: The Blackberry Blossom / Come West Along the Road

9. Air: The Banks of Sulan

10. Reels: The Tailor's Thimble / Sean McGrattan's

11. Reels: Colonel Rodger's / The Roscommon Reel

12. Reels: Mary Mac's / Gilbert Clancy's