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The latest offerings in the world of Irish folk music

By
IAN WORPOLE
,
Irish America Magazine Columnist

Published Friday, May 29, 2009, 12:34 PM
Updated Thursday, July 23, 2009, 5:48 PM

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The latest offerings in the world of Irish folk music | Entertainment in Ireland and Around the World | IrishCentral




Read more: The Fureys, United States, Liz Carroll, John Doyle, Bluegrass, Entertainment, Music, New Music Releases, Ewan McCall, Finbar Furey
Irish traditional musician Finbar Furey's new CD
Irish traditional musician Finbar Furey's new CD

In 2003, Finbar’s song “New York Girls” was chosen for the soundtrack of "Gangs of New York" – look for Finbar with a handlebar mustache in a cameo appearance singing the song.

With the passing of the baton, Finbar’s daughter Áine offers up her first U.S. solo release, "Cross My Palm," also on Cosmic Trigger records.

From the opening track “Sligo Fair” we are in the presence of something very special here, an achingly beautiful voice with supreme control. Áine moves effortlessly from dark to light ballads, accompanied by strings or acoustic guitars, percussion and bass, always tastefully arranged, with minimal reverb. From traditional to the contemporary likes of John Prine’s “Hello in There” and Edie Brickell’s “Circle,” Áine recalls the likes of Judy Collins, Nanci Griffith, Linda Thompson and, keeping it in the Irish family, Mary Black.

Speaking of family, Áine’s brother Martin has a couple of delicate and harmonious compositions here in “Walk Gently” and “Water’s Edge.” Martin Furey currently performs with the highly successful High Kings, a quartet of virtuoso performers and singers, and also, with Áine, makes up the duo Bohinta, whose albums have enjoyed great acclaim. I’m guessing a large part of the overall sound of Cross My Palm is due to the producing talents of Barry O’Briain. Indeed, much of the subtle layering and sound quality is created by Barry’s own multi-instrumental playing of guitars, mandocello and keyboards. His own album, "Carolan’s Dream" on Gael Linn Records, is a masterpiece.

Between Barry’s production, Martin’s compositions, some fine string players and of course Áine, "Cross My Palm" is one of the great surprises and treasures this year. Áine is hoping to tour the East Coast of the U.S. soon – look out for her!

Guitarist John Doyle and fiddler Liz Carroll

Another example of production values all wrapped up with musical talent, is guitar virtuoso John Doyle. His latest offering is a new CD with master fiddler Liz Carroll. Entitled "Double Play," this is the second from this duo, following "In Play." When I reviewed "In Play" a couple of years ago, I noted a somewhat difficult “listening curve” in absorbing the complex Carroll compositions.

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The latest offerings in the world of Irish folk music | Entertainment in Ireland and Around the World | IrishCentral


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