Colm O'Donnell: Farewell to Evening Dances

COLM O'DONNELL: FAREWELL TO EVENING DANCES

Colm O'Donnell: flute, tinwhistle, vocals

Seamus O'Donnell: flute

Brian McGrath: keyboards

Shane McGowan: guitar

Ted McGowan, Frank McGann: bodhran

The label that recently brought us Kevin Henry's delightful CD "One's Own Place" strikes again, this time with a beautiful recording by Co. Sligo flute/whistle player and singer Colm O'Donnell. Colm was introduced to US audiences when he performed with Kevin Henry at the 1998 Milwaukee Irish festival, and James Fraher and Connie Scanlon of BogFire must be congratulated for taking a chance and producing this CD. But I'd be very surprised if it didn't get more rave reviews a smashing success. Colm's flute and whistle music is one of the sweetest you'll ever hear, whether he plays an old tune or one of his excellent compositions. His performance of his own air "An Tonn Amplach" (The Hungry Sea) is achingly beautiful. If that weren't enough, Colm's traditional-style singing in Gaelic and English as well as his lilting are no less than remarkable. His rendition of the classic "Cunla" allows him to combine these talents to great effect. His singing of classics like "The Boys of Barr Na Straide" or "A Stor mo Chroi" is stunning. Brian McGrath and Shane McGowan, on piano and guitar respectively, add just the right touch with their unobtrusive accompaniments. And this is a generously long CD with 18 tracks. What a treat!

Rating: ****

Price: $17.99