PADRAIC O'REILLY: DOWN THE IVORY STAIRS
Padraic O'Reilly: piano
Damien O'Reilly: accordion, guitar
Martin O'Malley, Graham Dunne: guitars
Cyril O'Donoghue: bouzouki
Siobhan O'Donnell: bodhran
The Corofin Chamber Orchestra
Like for the guitar and the bouzouki, the piano's place among the instruments used by Irish musicians is one which has been acquired fairly recently and which remains controversial. Although the piano is primarily used as an accompaniment instrument, there have been a few players, the great Eleanor Kane Neary of Chicago for instance, who over the years have exploited its melodic possibilities. A native of Corofin, Co. Clare, O'Reilly has now released his second album of traditional tunes played on the piano, and shows again how his impressive technique allows him to craft eloquent performances which are also convincingly traditional in style. Guest musicians include Damien O’Reilly (accordion, guitar), Cyril O’Donoghue (bouzouki), and Siobhan O’Donnell (bodhran). There’s even a string orchestra, but the original and understated way in which it is used is another example of O’Reilly’s tasteful approach.
Rating: ****
Price: $19.99
