Latest CD releases reviewed

Fiddle Music Custy Music

Fans of West Clare fiddling are already salivating in unison with the arrival of this superb collection of fiddle tunes from Patrick Kelly of Cree, recorded in the 1960s and lovingly restored under the guiding hand of his son, Thomas. Kelly's style, occasionally reminiscent of Kerry musicians Padraig O'Keeffe and Denis Murphy, betrays a link that stretches as far back as the turn of the 20th century when George Whelan, a Kerry fiddler, strayed northwards with a knapsack of tunes. His spirited take on The Mason's Apron, a tune long-hackneyed by lesser players, breathes fresh life into its tired bones, and his swirling waltz, The Dew Drop, both whisper of a musician as much at home with the intimacy of the music as with its boisterousness. A magnificent trawl. www.custysmusic.com Siobhán Long

Driven Drive By Trad

Débuts don't come more startling than this. Tyrone fiddler Donall Donnelly wears his bow lightly, borrowing the exhuberant style of neighbour Cathal Hayden and partnered up with American multi-instrumentalist Brian Hanlon. They pick a pathway through a refreshing mix of old and new tunes, with the occasional song lurking to lure the lesser-spotted trad fan into the parlour. Donnelly's own Ritzy is a delicious taster of his compositional capabilities, the addition of Larry Nugent on flute bringing a subtlety that many debutants would miss. The freewheeling of Monaghan Mix is reigned in on their cover of Richard Thompson's Waltzing for Dreamers, reflecting a duo who know when to pull back from the brink. A damn fine calling card.  www.madfortrad.com Siobhán Long