David Power: Cuaichin Ghleann Neifin - The Little Cuckoo of Glen Nephin

DAVID POWER: CUAICHIN GHLEANN NEIFIN - THE LITTLE CUCKOO OF GLEN NEPHIN

David Power: uilleann pipes

Originally from Waterford and now back in Ireland after living in New Jersey for a couple of years, David Power is a talented piper who learned from Tommy Kearney and whose playing, his regulator work in particular, shows the influence of Leo Rowsome. Power's first solo album, "My Love is in America," was very well received, and this new one should get the same welcome, for it is very much in the same vein: solo piping at its best, with great control and no artifice, just plenty of musicianship and soul. Power doesn't even try to surprise the listener with a lot of obscure tunes, quite the contrary. Most of the selected material is very well known, which gives the listener and chance to really dwelve into what makes Power's renditions so interesting. His version of the standard piping reel "Colonel Frazer" is quite restrained compared to most others on record--but the piper pays attention to the details rather than just focus on speed. Power did choose, however, to record a good number of slow airs, five to be exact. But no complaint here, they are such a great vehicle for piping, especially piping of this caliber. (June 2007)

Rating: ****

Price: $21.99