An ocean's breadth

Best known as the accordionist with US-based Irish band Solas, Mick McAuley demonstrates on this impressive solo debut that he’s no one-trick pony. In addition to nimble-fingered renditions of his own compositions on the box, he plays low whistles, bodhrán, concertina and assorted percussion – and he’s one fine singer, too, with a light, airy tenor that lends itself nicely to his unusual version of the bluegrass classic ‘Rain And Snow’. Other songs on the album include a mournful ballad called ‘Bury Me Not’, ‘The House Carpenter’, and the hauntingly beautiful ‘Open The Door’, learned from the singing of Archie Fisher. McAuley’s Solas bandmates Seamus Egan, Winifred Horan, Eamon McElholm and former Solas guitarist Donal Clancy assist in the backing department.