Pléaráca An Riadaigh Gael Linn****: What more can be said about the gargantuan contribution of Seán Ó Riada to our traditional music? His forensic attention to the detail of both rural Ireland's creative expression and the art music beloved of the harpers and poets of the 17th century is astounding.

Ó Riada's genius was in his bold approach to arrangement, which set the tradition on an uncharted course that lured in diverse listeners both at home and away. The melting pot that was Ceoltóirí Chualann (later giving rise to both Ceoltóirí Laighean and The Chieftains) bubbles and boils throughout this magnificent three- CD retrospective, encompassing the landmark Reacaireacht An Riadaigh, Ceol Na nUasal and Ding Dong, originally released in 1962 and 1967. This is a masterclass in original thinking and a still vital celebration of music, poetry and song of our home place. www.gael-linn.ie