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SEAMUS BEGLEY & JIM MURRAY

Who would have expected such sensitivity from the usually lively Seamus Begley? Well, eight years on from his and Murray's spine- tingling Ragairnecollection, and the gestation has wrought a mellowing – of sorts. A rake of rarely recorded tunes and songs from Sliabh Luachraand Corca Dhuibhneabound here, and the set of polkas headlined by Jack of All Tradesis a reminder of the delicacy that lurks within those muscular linchpins of the tradition. Begley's voice is buoyant, wrapping itself luxuriantly around the rich vowels of Bháin Óig. Murray's own pair of subtle tunes, A Slip of a Thing/Cáit's Fancy,hint at a writer itching to spend more time in composition. A soft but well-aimed blow at the belly of our tradition. www.seamus begleyandjimmurray.com

Download tracks: Jack of All Trades, Mountains of Pomeroy