Traditional

Llio Rhydderch fflach: Melangell (tradd records)

This Welsh triple harpist brings early-music fragrances to her intricate cascades of pin-like notes in luscious settings: carol tunes; playful sword-dances; her pomp-ish little tribute to her teacher Nansi Richards; the heartrending Dafydd y Garreg Wen (died 1749); her topstring-frenzied pennillion tune, Y Bardd Yn Ei Awen; or the cute small-harp lullaby, Gorweddwch Eich Hun. Welsh to me is like a sharp tap to the typographical region of the brain, so Rhydderch sent me a diagram, tracing herself back through 18th-century harpers to sixth-century traditions. If you're ever browned off with O'Carolan, here's another deep repertoire in a folk style which is just, simply, beautiful.

Various Artists: Pure Bodhran: The Definitive Collection (Big Beat Music)

This superb double-CD celebrates an icon, which one time, according to the folk-lordy-lordies, if beaten outside Wren Day was like "wearing shamrock in July". Percussionist Robbie Harris, as DJ, includes himself, naturally, across Peter Brown's quicksilver accordion, as well as John Reynolds's near-Lambeg with Tom Morrison in 1927; Christy Moore upnudging Nollaig Casey; Kevin Coneff's drum-and-bones; Johnny McDonagh cobbling away to Mary Bergin, Colm Murphy's ultrasound, Donal Lunny/Casey's amazing Mominsky Horo; Gino Lupari and Ron Kavana; Damien Quinn's meaty thunder; Jimmy Higgins behind a sure Alan Kelly; Donnacha Goff with Danu fiddler Jesse Smith, John Joe Kelly's rapid flitter with Flook, James McNally's AfroCelts, etc. Not a single dud throughout.