18/3/04
The anarchic energy of Sliabh Luachra married with the fineboned sensibilities of Clare might suggest a union doomed for brevity, but Tim O'Shea plies both traditions with sufficient grace to exert a neutralising effect, so much so that one suspects a union in the future may well bear progeny in the future. One of the great pleasures of this CD is the presence of superb fiddle player Paddy Jones and piper, clarinetist and low whistle player Matt Bashford. O'Shea's magnanimity ensures a democratic mix of tunes, with Barry Magee's concertina glistening on The Humours of Lisheen jig set, and he wisely limits the songs which lumber awkwardly alongside the sprightly tunes. Jagged edged, but with many a smooth surface to glide upon.
