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Latest CD releases reviewed

JOHN DOYLE
Wayward Son Gael Linn ***

A co-founder of Solas, Dublin guitarist and singer John Doyle's second solo album is populated by a who's who of traditional and folk music. His driving, rhythmic guitar style is the backbone of Wayward Son, fierily pummelling a fine set of original tunes (headlined by The Glad Eye) into existence. Doyle's songwriting is equally confident, buoyed by guest vocalist Kate Rusby on the regret-filled Bitter the Parting. His horizons are wide, thanks to an enviable facility with Irish, old time and contemporary American folk song. With superb scaffolding from Alison Brown, John McCusker, Tim O'Brien and double bassist Danny Thompson, the one weak link in an otherwise formidable chain is Doyle's voice, which struggles to establish its identity in the company of so much musical genius. www.gael-linn.com Siobhán Long

ANU
Earth Spirits Of Ancient Ireland Anu Music ***

This is one of the quirkiest, most original collections to hit the decks in ages. American hammer dulcimer acolyte Harris Moore may be a long-time Dingle resident but his vistas are wide open, informed by a fascination with Celtic mythology and a fervent belief in the subtle influence of the unseen. Moore's original opening pair of tunes, Three Sisters Well and The Paps of Anu, declare their O'Carolan influences proudly, with his hammer dulcimer tracing a wiry path through their intricate geography. Eilís Ní Chinnéide's guest vocals on Bríd Óg Ní Mháille is a paragon of divine simplicity, and Eoin Duignan's Ginny lends further lightness of being. Alien saxophone occasionally grates, but as footloose as a lifelong traveller, this is music that reveals itself note by note. Worth savouring. www.celticmuseum.com  Siobhán Long