DAVE SHERIDAN: SHERIDAN'S GUESTHOUSE
Dave Sheridan: flute, accordion, low whistle, bass, keyboards
Conor Sheridan: vocals
Damien O'Brien, Brian Rooney, Padraig O'Neill: fiddles
Seamie O'Dowd: fiddle, guitar, bass
Oliver Loughlin: piano-accordion
Padraig McGovern: uilleann pipes
Sean Gilrane: flute
Brian McDonagh: mandola, percussion
Michael McCague: bouzouki
Kevin Brehoney: keyboards
Keith Kelly: bass
Neil Lyons, Liam Cryan, Junior Davey: bodhran

An excellent flute player and multi-instrumentalist from Co. Leitrim, Dave Sheridan released this delightful CD in 2006. Joined by a who's who of musicians from Sligo and further, Sheridan has put together a truly enjoyable collection of tracks, making each somewhat distinct from the others by shuffling the instrumentation a bit each time. Although Sheridan's flute playing is clearly the focus throughout, other lead players shine as well, for instance Padraig McGovern on pipes and Padraig O'Neill on fiddle, as well as Damien O'Brien and Oliver Loughlin who recently released an excellent duet album of their own. Sheridan's flute duet with his cousin Sean Gilrane, opening with a lovely tune composed by Gilrane, is one of many exciting moments here. Thanks to the many top-notch accompanists present, the arrangements are pleasantly varied as well, if at times a bit busy--as he is prone to do, ex-Dervish Seamie O'Dowd sometimes overreaches for new textures, but for the most part it works. Of the several Sheridan compositions featured on the album, the dance tunes are as catchy as any in the tradition, but I couldn't help finding his song "Our Beautiful Tradition" rather contrived, and an odd moment on the record. Skip it, and you will be hearing a most pleasing instrumental album.

Rating: *** 1/2

Price: $19.99
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Contents:
1. Reels: Mulhaire's / Kiss the Maid Behind the Barrel
2. Jigs: Christy Barry's / King of the Pipers / Michael Dwyer's
3. Reels: The Maids of Castlebar / The Boy in the Gap / The Old Maids of Galway
4. Jigs: The Maid on the Green / Humours of Drinagh
5. Reels: Johnny Allen's / Paddy Gavin's / The Easy Club
6. Reels: The Big House / Fred Finn's
7. Jigs: The Black Rogue / The Maid of the Spinning Wheel
8. Song & Reel: Our Beautiful Tradition / The Wind that Shakes the Barley
9. Waltz & Reel: The Jewels of the Ocean / The House on the Hill
10. Reels: Eania's Fancy / Captain Kelly's / The Salamanca
11. Jigs: The Humours of Ballyloughlin / Helvic Head
12. Jigs: Fr. Kelly's / Muneira de Ourence
13. Reels: Farewell to Ireland / The Road to Cashel / Tommy Peoples'
14. Reels: The Providence / The Limerick Lasses
15. Polka & Reels: Enjoy your Stay in Sheridan's Guesthouse / Safe Home