Trad/Roots

Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton: Trio 2 (Asylum)

Sequels, it has often been said, are never as good as the real thing, which could have ruled out the long-awaited second collection by these three queens of American music. But contrary to some advance reports, this follow-up to their delightful partnership 12 years ago is no turkey. Perhaps it is a little predictable; the choice of Neil Young's After the Goldrush does not scream adventure. And George Massenburg's silky touchy-feely production occasionally verges on adult-oriented pap. But there is something genuinely thrilling about the way the three voices combine, as on the opening Lover's Return, a haunting wooden porch ballad from the Carter family archives, or the closing When We're Gone, Long Gone. In between, the highlights include Ronstadt and Parton's fine support of Harris's typically naked emotional singing on Donagh Long's You'll Never be the Sun and Parton's feisty reading of Del McCoury's I Feel the Blues Moving In. But equally a curious inertia hangs over much of the music, as if the only thing missing is a little bit of magic.

Joe Breen

Kevin Doherty: Strange Weather (Key)

Maybe it came from the Atlantic winds that bombard his native Donegal, but Kevin Doherty's muse most certainly had an American twang, to judge by his highly promising debut. A former member of the folk group, Four Men and A Dog, Doherty has turned his back on Celtic rhythms to remake himself in the rock 'n' roots tradition. Recorded in the studio of Band drummer Levon Helm (who makes a guest appearance), the music strives for intimacy and warmth, and there is something disarmingly naive about the whole affair. The lo-fi sound sets off the earnest mood of the songs well, with rich sweeping organ adding the reassuring touch. There are echoes of early Van Morrison, Paul Brady and John Prine among other influences. On one level the music is dated but, with time, many of Doherty's songs have a habit of sneaking up on you.

Joe Breen

Boys of the Lough: The West of Ireland (Lough Records)

There's a deceptive drowsiness to this latest get-together from the veteran pan-Celtic outfit, now comprising Fermanagh singer Cathal McConnell, Dingle man Brendan Begley, Northumbrian accordionist Dave Richardson, Shetland fiddler Aly McBain and Highland guitarist Malcolm Stitt. The material is a weird mixture of the Cape Breton, clog hornpipes, Northumbrian tunes, easy waltzes, and songs in McConnell's snappy Ulster-Scots accent, with disorientating rhythmic overlays on the Irish material. Guests include Mick O'Brien with a set of border-counties reels on old-style uilleann pipes, Kathryn Tickell's head-addling Northumbrian small-pipes and Ron Shaw's cello for style. A personal favourite is Begley's melodeon and voice on Beauty Deas an Oilean or when he is rushing the solemn Scots on the Glin Cottage set. A richly bemusing collection.

Mic Moroney