SLIABH NOTES: ALONG BLACKWATER'S BANKS
Matt Cranitch (fiddle), Donal Murphy (accordion), and Tommy O'Sullivan (guitar, vocals) have just released Sliabh Notes' third album, very much in the same vein as the preceding two, but for the presence of a host of guest musicians, among whom Kevin Burke, Matt Molloy, Steve Cooney, Colm Murphy, and Brian McGrath. Even if the need for such an embarrassment of riches is not always entirely clear (the doubling of fiddles for instance), as the band's sound loses some of its character, this makes for some energetic playing on the instrumental tracks, the Sliabh Luachra polkas and slides associated with the band as well as the more common (but well selected) reels and jigs. Tommy O'Sullivan brings his distinctive vocal style and fine guitar playing to the three songs, two of them traditional, and Matt Cranitch performs the lovely slow air "Amhran na Leabhar," with superb guitar work by Steve Cooney. Although in my opinion not nearly as powerful as their preceding album "Gleantann," this is still fine music by Sliabh Notes and friends.
Rating: ***1/2
Price: $21.99
