Altan: Donegal (CD)

Altan is arguably the most iconic band working in traditional Irish music today. For the past 35 years, they have been bringing the music of their native County Donegal to the world stage. Irish-language songs and dynamic twin-fiddling, the hallmarks of Altan’s sound, framework the band’s newest album, aptly titled Donegal. The album’s 10 tracks pay homage to Donegal’s rich musical heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. The authenticity and allure of the music transports listeners to a bygone time in rural Ireland while simultaneously forging a connection between the past and modern times.

Bandleader, lead vocalist and fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh is in fine form, lending her angelic voice to “Liostáil mé le Sáirsint” and “The Barley and the Rye” and contributing “Port Árainn Mhór/Port Kitty Rua Mooney,” an outstanding set of jigs, to the project. Altan’s newest member, Clare Friel, shares vocal duties with Ní Mhaonaigh, most notably on the track “Faoiseamh a Geheobhadsa” and adds her fiery twin fiddle playing to great effect. Accordionist Martin Tourish brings his formidable chops and compositional sense to the medley The House of Baoithín which pays homage to the mid 6th century Saint Baoithín. Dáithí Sproule (guitar), Mark Kelly (guitar, harmony vocals) and Ciarán Curran (bouzouki, mandolin) round out the band which is augmented by special guests Jim Higgins (Percussion), Steve Cooney (bass) and Graham Henderson (Keyboards) on select tracks. Recorded by Manus Lunny at Stiúidió na Mara (“Seafront Studio”) in County Donegal, Donegal captures the essence of the region which has inspired Altan since the band’s inception and further cements Altan’s legacy as one of the great cultural treasures of Ireland.

1. Slow Reel: The Yellow Tinker
2. Song: Liostail Me Le Sairsint
3. Reels: The Donegal Selection: An Bothar Mor / Tommy People's Is Cuma Liom
4. Song: Faoiseamh A Gheobhadsa
5. Jigs: Port Arainn Mhor / Port Kitty Rua Mooney
6. Reels: The House Of Baoithin Selection
7. Song: The Barley And The Rye
8. Reels: An Gasur Dana / An Girseach Dolba / An Breac Beadach
9. Slow Air: Gabhaim Abhaim Molta Bride
10. Reels: The Letterkenny Blacksmith / John Doherty Favourite / Scread Na Bealtine