Srutháin Cheoil album review: a vibrant coalition that lets the raw edges peep through

The cross-generational essence of traditional music is knitted into the core of this fourth collection of songs and tunes from northwest Donegal, curated by Tionscnamh Lugh.

Srutháin Cheoil pairs the giants of the locality (Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Dónal and Manus Lunny, Maighread and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Paddy Glackin and Lillis Ó Laoire) with emerging musicians and writers.

The result is a vibrant coalition that lets the raw edges peep through.

Ní Mhaonaigh shares vocals on Ar Ais Go Gaoth Dobhair with Emma Ní Fhioruisce, the melding of mature and youthful vocals proving a fine combination, while Lillis Ó Laoire and Kelly Ní Chanainn's reading of An Droighnean Donn is revelatory in the vulnerability of Ó Laoire's delivery.

The slew of original compositions bears testament to the appetite for refreshing a tradition that’s already in an impressively rude state of health.

tlugh.com