TRADITIONAL

The latest releases reviewed

CÉIDE Out of Their Shell Claddagh ***

Busy and bold, Céide's second collection emerges from its west Mayo chrysalis like a butterfly intent on parading her intricate designs. Newcomer vocalist Marianne Knight shifts the focus somewhat, with varying degrees of success, her voice struggling to rise beyond the pedestrian (John O'Dreams) and occasionally succeeding (on Declan Askin's spacious and unforced Western Waves). Elsewhere, Céide have learned the value of silence, as their choice of the pair of Ben Lennon tunes (Wedding March and Planxty Joe Burke) proves amply. Tom Doherty's accordion soars free on the reading of O'Carolan's air, Captain O'Kane, seamlessly married with brother Kevin's double bass and cello. A snapshot of a maturing quintet veering ever closer to finding their own voice. www.céide.net

Siobhán Long

MICHAEL ROONEY AND JUNE MCCORMACK Land's End No label ****

Oceans converge and a relentless energy fires the most resistant spirit. So too it is with harpist Michael Rooney and flute player June McCormack's music. A melding of genteel formality (in Michael's original planxty, Bóithrín Doire, and in his title tune, a masterclass in restrained excellence) and raw-nerved virtuosity, Land's End glories in each ingredient, lending its essence in tiny tinctures, all the better to savour it in its entirety. McCormack lures a gorgeous woody flute tone, an earthy counter to Rooney's fine-fingered harp. Land's End is a thing of rare beauty where less is unquestionably more. www.draiochtmusic.com

Siobhán Long