Guys, what can I say? This album is the Alpha and Omega of traditional Irish-Celtic music, the folk revival of the Emerald Isle, the Big Bang of its genre in its years. The center of it all and the starting point (though a whole discussion could be made about Sean O'Riada and the Ceoltóirí Chualann, of course). An absolute milestone. Traditional pieces of every kind (heart-wrenching Slow Airs, Jigs, Reels, Polkas, Uilleann Pipes solos—whatever you can think of: dances and tears) played and arranged by these rigorous and wild archaeologists of Irish music, packed into Medleys that have the magical ability to transport you to a distant Ireland in time, yet with them, it becomes incredibly close in space. Indescribable sensations. Traditional tunes played, among others, by a band of extraordinary musicians not only for spirit and heart but also for technique and instrumental skill—true virtuosos of their instruments, capable of elevating heart-rending dances and melodies like few others, led by the immense Paddy Malone (arranger, incredible player of the uilleann pipes and thin whistle) and known as Sean Potts (with his extraordinary thin whistle, which I could listen to for days without stopping), Martin Fay (fiddle), Michael Tubridy (flute and concertina), and David Fallon (the bodhrán, the Irish drum). One of the greatest bands (folk for sure, but also beyond) of all time for me.
more
