Various Artists

Oldtime Records Vol 3: Piping Rarities Oldtime Records ***

This third instalment in Oldtime's series of revived and rejuvenated recordings, this time focusing on the pipes, features some 22 recordings never previously released on vinyl or CD.

It's a labour of love that colours and shades the space and time that separates the renowned piper Felix Doran from Dublin stalwart Leo Rowsome, and from less well-known players, including Dan Sullivan's Shamrock Band and Liam Walsh. The sleeve notes, meticulously compiled by Gerry Clarke and Emmett Gill, are worth a night class in themselves, suffused with a sense of history and, in particular, the devastating impact of the famine and of emigration on our piping tradition. Michael Carney's 1929 recording of Pol Ha'penny Hornpipe(with typically inventive accompaniment from Sligo fiddler James Morrison) is a reminder that our music has been evolving beautifully for generations. www.oldtimerecords.com