Donal Lunny and his band can produce a powerful wall of sound when the humour takes them. However, they were admirably restrained at the NCH last night, playing a thoughtful and varied concert for the packed house. They took a while to settle - the opening set of polkas led by Nollaig Casey (fiddle) and John McSherry (low whistle) was tentative - but they found their feet on the air A Stor Mo Chroi, sung by Casey in a straight, cold style.
Sharon Shannon contributed some excellent box playing on the Breton tune Costa de Galicia and was even better on the interestingly titled reel Quick Nurse, the Screens.
McSherry kept a low profile for the most part, but his solos are always exquisite. His pipes wailed magnificently on Cavan Potholes, while he went into overdrive on the set of reels Glentown. Casey's best playing came on Cape Clear. Slow airs are often played as things to admire rather than enjoy, but her rich, almost classical, tone and shaping made it a pleasure.
The Ni Dhomhnaills - Triona, Maighread and Micheal - came on as guests after the interval and played a lengthy set. They bring together a curious, sometimes uncomfortable, blend of old and modern, singing traditional Gaelic songs but making liberal use of an electric keyboard. Their light-hearted reworking of The Spanish Lady was particularly attractive. Coolfin held back the unashamed wall of sound until the very end, when they belted through the Tobique set. An excellent show.
