Traditional

KATHLEEN LOUGHNANE, The Harpers Connella,Claddagh Records ****

Dordán harpist Kathleen Loughnane's latest solo recording is a fleet-footed tribute to the music of two 17th century Sligo harpers, Thomas and William Connellan. Loughnane airs nine of their tunes, collected by Edward Bunting at the famed Belfast Harp Festival of 1792, as well as three other Scottish tunes also associated with them. The music's sense of timelessness is inescapable, and Loughnane revels in the melding of pipes, harpsicord and harp in the uncompromising The Two William Davis's. Her solo harping is a joyous celebration of delicate phrasing and melodic complexity, and is at its best on Molly McAlpin.Loughnane's meticulous and affectionate sleeve notes add a piquant backdrop to this generous and spirited tribute to these century-spanning muasicians. www.claddaghrecords.com