Len Graham and Brian Ó hAirt: The Road Taken | Album Review

The Road Taken
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Artist: Len Graham & Brian Ó hAirt
Genre: Traditional
Label: Independent Release

Hot on the heels of the release of their first CD, In Two Minds, in 2014, these two masters of traditional singing are back, in fine form. Dismantling any hint of a generation gap, Graham pitches perfectly alongside Ó hAirt.

This time, the pair's songbook encompasses some intriguing historical takes on everything from the pleasures of kale to 19th-century caricatures of Irish faces in British and American publications (Do Me Justice). Ó hAirt's whistle playing and subtle sean-nós dancing bring a welcome light and shade to the mix.

Graham and Ó hAirt share a remarkable instinct for phrasing, their voices coalescing with the ease of singers who’ve been in concert with one another from the cradle.

The fact that their acquaintance is recently forged simply adds further to the energy of The Road Taken.

Siobhán Long

Siobhán Long

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