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Michael Hynes and Denis Liddy: Waifs and Strays |
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Michael Hynes, flute, and Denis Liddy, fiddle, have made a very nice album of traditional Irish music coming strongly out of their roots in County Clare. Denis has a strong bow arm and deep roots in the ceili tradition from when he was a teen. He is also the teacher of the Barefield Ceili Band, an All-Ireland winning young band with a number of recordings to their credit. Michael has early connections to house dances as well as to sessions in London, and it’s in the dance tunes where they shine. The sets are a nice blend of the familiar and the obscure, with a few of Michael’s own compositions. Particular moments that grabbed me include a lovely rendition of The Bellharbour hornpipe and a great run through the Stolen Purse, but the strongest playing of all is the last track, recorded live for a group of dancers doing the third figure of the Caledonian set. The music here is full of vigor and energy, with the clattering of the dancer’s hooves providing a counterpoint, reminding us that this is music for dancing, and not just dance music. Accompaniment throughout is by Rob Sharer on guitar, and is solid and unobtrusively done. Waifs and Strays is one of the stronger releases of the year, and fans of the Clare style will find much to enjoy. |
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© Brendan Taaffe, 2005. All Rights Reserved. |
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