Harp playing is very strong in the country at the moment and Laoise Kelly is one of reasons for that.  A regular teacher at music workshops, she is strongly associated with the Achill International Harp Festival and was voted TG4 Musician of the Year. This is her first album from…

An album for singers.  Lumiere are Éilís Kennedy and Pauline Scanlon – both great solo singers in their own right, but together they create great harmonies.  Wonderful interpretations of songs in both English and Irish, their voices are complemented by such wonderful musicians as Seamus Begley, Damien Dempsey, Alan Kelly…

Recorded back in 1978, this album also features Matt Molloy, Alex Finn and Michael O Donhnaill.  Noel Hill is regarded as one of the most influential concertina players ever, and continues to perform and teach at the highest level. This is regarded as a classic album for any concertina student…

This is the debut self titled album of The Gloaming – who comprise Iarla Ó Lionáird. Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Dennis Cahill, Martin Hayes and Thomas Bartlett. This album has had critical acclaim all over the world.  Favourite track – No 10 – Samhradh Samhradh Don’t just read the review, buy…

A multi-instrumentalist, Aoife Granville is primarily known for her flute playing.  Based in Kerry, she is a member of a very musical family – her sister Deirdre is equally accomplished on harp. This album is Aoife’s first solo release and the musical heritage of her beloved Corca Dhuibhne is proudly…

Based in Dingle, Jeremy Spencer is originally from Carlow.  A great fiddle player, he is partnered on this album with Sean Leady on guitar.  This is their debut album, and this writer has had the opportunity to hear them perform live – they are really excellent. Don’t just read the…

Goitse were formed in the Irish Academy of World Music in Limerick, and brought together Áine McGeeney on fiddle and vocals, Colm Phelan on bodhran, James Harvey on banjo, Conal O’Kane on guitar, and Tadhg Ó Meachair on piano/accordion. They have produced multiple albums and are one of the most…

Not many bodhran players make solo albums!  Colm Phelan is one of the most influential bodhran and percussion teachers and performers of his generation.  Based out of Portlaoise, he is one of the founders of the trad group Goitse.  This solo album was done in conjunction with a great Laois…

Patricia is one of our music teachers in Spink Comhaltas.  A multi-instrumentalist, this is her debut fiddle album.  We know she is working on her next one – we wish she would hurry up and get it published soon! Brought up in England, with a significant grounding in music in…

Martin Donohoe – Cavanman – Nyah – legend – unmissable – entertainer – box player.  He has to be seen performing in real life to really appreciate him.  This album features a Who’s Who of Irish music performers from along the country and further afield. Don’t just read the review,…