JOHN O'HALLORAN: "BUT WHY, JOHNNY?"

John O'Halloran: melodeon

Tommy McCarthy: fiddle

Louise Costello: banjo

Brendan Larrissey: fiddle

Dermot Byrne: accordion

Martin Murray: banjo, mandolin, viola

Alec Finn: bouzouki

Jimmy Higgins: piano, bodhran

One of the most "fun" albums you are likely to hear. John O'Halloran (who does look like a fun guy), originally from the island of Inishbofin and now a regular of the Galway session scene, plays the one-row melodeon with great lift and humor. He is surrounded by a host of talented musicians, who, in various combinations, bring a great variety to the tracks. But O'Halloran's melodeon sound and unique tune settings are definitely the stars of the show.

Rating: **** 1/2

Price: $27.99Recommended

Our Catalogue 

Contents:

1. Reels: The Blackberry Blossom / The Swallow's Tail

2. Reels: The Cameronian / John Brennan's

3. Hornpipe, Jig, Reel: The Old Blackbird / The Walls of Liscarrol / Jackie Coleman's

4. Jigs: Queen of the Fair / The Carraroe Jig

5. Reels: The Floating Crowbar / The Twelve Pins / Tom Ward's Downfall

6. Flings, Reel: The Sunny Banks / Green Grow the Rushes / Boyne Hunt

7. Barndance, Reel: Miss Kenny's / Marion Egan's

8. Jigs: Port Cuil Aodha / Scatter the Mud / Old Tipperary

9. Hornpipes: The Home Ruler / Kitty's Wedding

10. Jigs: Tay in the Bog / East of Glendart / Michael Burke's

11. Slow Tune, Reel: Da Slockit Light / Michael Coleman's

12. Jig, Reels: But Why Johnny? / Phil Murphy's / The Drunken Landlady