Seán Potts

Number 6 Na Píobairí Uilleann ****

Number 6 Na Píobairí Uilleann****

This collection from tin whistle player Seán Potts is a starter, main course and dessert in traditional music. A veteran of Ceoltóirí Chualann and The Chieftains, Potts is a member of one of Dublin's musical dynasties, and here he is accompanied by his son, Seán Óg, on pipes, and by Peadar Ó Riada on the organ. John Blake lends subtle accompaniment on guitar as well. But it's the life-affirming lightness of touch and pristine clean lines of his airs (in particular Eibhlí Gheal Chiúin Ní Chearbhaill) that epitomise Potts's innate charisma, every bit as ear-catching in his 80th year as it was in his heyday with The Chieftains. The ensemble playing on Páidín Ó Raifeartaighis a no-holds- barred celebration of the music for its own sake. A wonderful set piece to be turned up loud – and often. See pipers.ie

Siobhán Long

Siobhán Long

Siobhán Long, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes about traditional music and the wider arts