Latest CD releases reviewed
DAVID KINSELLA
Atlantic Arc Core Distribution ***
The title refers to that oceanic sweep that stretches from Ireland to Scotland, wrapping Portugal and Spain in its hospitable gabháil. David Kinsella's Atlantic Arc is, like Sliabh Luachra, as much a state of mind as a geographical reality. Wedding haughty pipes and elfin whistles with Spanish guitar and a rake of musical compadres (from Galician pipes to bodhrán), Kinsella boldly airs a dozen original tunes, their collective energy forging a bridge between the traditions. Irish and Galician styles meld effortlessly, and opener From Leap to Santiago captures the freespiritedness of Kinsella's ambitions mightily. Pedro Blanco's cross-breeds whistle, guitar and bodhrán dramatically, but occasionally the over-abundance of instruments compete with, rather than complement one another. A bold leap that intermittently falters, but reveals a canny musical imagination all the same. www.atlanticarc.com Siobhán Long
CAOIMHÍN VALLELY
Strayaway Claddagh Records ***
Deconstructing such standards as Seán Ó Duibhir a' Ghleanna is hardly an undertaking for the faint-hearted. Caoimhín Vallely may carry the weight of a formidable family history on his shoulders (brothers Niall and Cillian both guest on concertina and uilleann pipes here), but he's quick to shake off any preconceptions with this startlingly propulsive solo piano debut. Borrowing its title from a Margaret Barry composition, Vallely starts as he means to go on: not so much breaking with tradition as unpicking its essence and luring it headlong past the present into unknown terrain where the jazz-inflected Unapproved Road (composed by Niall) can nestle (albeit restlessly) alongside the traditional Slieve Russell. Vallely has taken up the gauntlet laid down by Micheál Ó Suilleabháin, an able challenger and unapologetic champion of tradition. www.caoimhinvallely.net Siobhán Long
