Martin Tourish is one of the most accomplished piano accordion players of his generation.  In addition to his solo work as composer, arranger and performer, he is also a member of Altan.  On this album, he combines with Luke Ward on bouzouki to great effect – and this album has…

An album for the mandolin player.  While there are lots of great banjo albums, and many banjo players are great mandolin players, mandolin albums are not as popular.  This one should be added to your collection.  Featuring a range of traditional Irish tunes, it also blends some classical pieces from…

Kíla are an Irish folk music/world music group, originally formed in 1987 in the Irish language secondary school Coláiste Eoin in County Dublin.  The band’s first performance was upstairs in the Baggott Inn, Dublin, and was attended by three people.  They have moved on considerably since then, with 10 studio…

If your ambition in life is to play safe and learn a nice traditional tune to please a Fleadh Cheoil judge, then this album is not for you.  Move on.  However, if you want to listen to musicians who have won All Irelands, and then decided to move their music…

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…