Tomás Ó Gealbháin, Caoimhin Ó Fearghail, Seán Ó Fearghail: Lá Ag Ól Uisce

Solid, steady and highly melodic, this debut collection cleaves to the roots of the tradition. The trio of Tomás Ó Gealbháin on accordion and the Ó Fearghail brothers – Caoimhín (TG4 Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2012) and Seán – on pipes, flute, guitar and bouzouki, produce a highly coherent sound that captures that elusive energy of a live session. Danú veteran Donnchadh Gough's bodhrán subtly complements the rhythmic forces of box, guitar and bouzouki. Sean-nós singer Nell Ní Chróinín contributes a slow-burning gem in Tá Dhá Ghabhairín Bhuí Agam, her clear-toned, minimally ornamented style sitting effortlessly in the mix. What sets this album apart is also what might serve to undermine it: a modest, unforced style that seeks no bragging rights. custysmusic.com