The Living Tradition
PO Box 1026
KILMARNOCK
KA2 0LG

Tel 01563 571220

Our Reviewers
Top Selections

_________________

SOURCE

Scottish
Irish
English
Welsh
Gaelic
Cape-Breton
Australian
America
Canada
Galician

CONTENT

Song - Solo
Song - Group
Instrumental
Instr'l Groups
Music & Song
Dance
Pipe Bands
Archive
New Writing
Compilations

INSTRUMENTS

Pipes
Fiddle
Accordion
Flute
Whistle
Guitar
Mandolin
Banjo
Harp
_________________

Newletter
Feedback
About Us
Advertise
Writer's Guidelines
Links
Site Map

Email Us

This site is Copyright (C) The Living Tradition Ltd. No part of this site may be used without the permission of The Living Tradition.

Altan - Local Ground
Vertical Records VERTCD069

Altan is a group synonymous with amazing Donegal traditional music. Their tenth and latest studio album Local Ground is no exception to this. Featuring a mix of English and Irish-language songs and tunes, they have spiced things up this time around with a host of guest performers. The album is light and refreshing; the music always moving and changing, rather like a summer breeze.

The distinctively recognizable voice of Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh begins and ends the album on two quite different notes. ‘Eirigh ‘s cuir ort do chuid eadaigh’ is a jaunty, up-beat number, while the closing lullaby ‘Dun Do Shuil’ has a gentle air to it. The instrumental and vocal pieces in between maintain a sense of deceptive simplicity. The arrangements are all beautifully done to highlight the lead instrument. The accompanying instruments are where this album really shines. Along with the members of Altan, Triona Ni Dhomhnaill’s piano, Donnal Lunny’s guitar and Jim Higgins’ bodhrán all add unique dimensions to the music. A particular highlight of the recording is the inclusion of Carlos Nunez playing Gaita (Gallician bagpipes) on two tracks.

The album moves very fluidly, with each track evoking its own mood. There is not a single mis-step on the whole recording. Each piece is wonderfully done and the finished whole is likely to find itself fast becoming a classic. Talent like this ensures that the Donegal musical tradition continues unbroken. Local Ground is a fresh, invigorating album that is not to be missed.

Jean Price