MICK , LOUISE & MICHELLE MULCAHY: REELIN' IN TRADITION
Mick Mulcahy: accordion, melodeon
Louise Mulcahy: flute, uilleann pipes
Michelle Mulcahy: fiddle, concertina, harp, piano
Cyril O'Donoghue: bouzouki
Tommy Hayes: bodhran
Aidan Vaughan, Paddy Neylon, Deirdre Comber, Tina Walsh: dancing
It's hard to believe that four years have gone by since the Mulcahys released their previous album, "Notes from the Heart." Even more so when one listens to this new CD, which sounds like it could have been recorded at the same session, and sounds every bit as impressive--I am not giving it the very top rating only because "Notes" still has that certain je-ne-sais-quoi. The technical mastery of father and daughters, on their respective instruments as well as in their ensemble playing, is still there of course, and so is the amazing variety of soundscapes they are able to create thanks to their uncommon versatility. But more importantly, the three musicians seem to never go wrong, be it with their choice of material, or that unerring sense of good taste they demonstrate in playing each tune. Even with that overall level of quality, there are still moments that stand out, for instance the brilliant transition from "The Boys of Portaferry" into the second part of "The Dumore Lassies," or the inspired accenting of the low note of the chanter (concert C) by Louise and Michelle on the two jigs of the "Hughie Travers" set. The album concludes with a rousing track of reels recorded live in Miltown Malbay and accompanied by the inspired battering of four of Co. Clare's best dancers. The Mulcahys have me reeled in...
Rating: **** 1/2
Price: $27.99
Recommended
Recommended
