Athenurich

When, as here, the reasons behind such coalitions are a shared musical history and a long-standing friendship, one is on much firmer ground. Aside from their membership of the early Bothy Band, this pair have a Donegal connection in common, and though it is that which informs much of what they do, their canvas is a wider one, with excursions to other parts of the island receiving equal attention in the company of such musical confreres as Philip Begley, James Blennerhassett, and Mairtmn O'Connor.

With people of such calibre in a studio, the results cannot but inspire, and musical gemstones litter the chosen path. Micheal's setting of 'Loch Lomond' is quite lovely, and Paddy Glackin's duet with Noel Hill on a set of slides is the stuff that nuclear-free power is fashioned from. The opening set of jigs, with Mairtmn's accordion clattering away like billyo is the stuff fusedances were surely made of, and the album's closing song, 'Fear A Bhata' with sister Trmona on vocal harmonies, is worthy of several repeat plays off its own bat.

This album brings together old friends and older music; together they have woven a very special tapestry, which, come year's end, will be up there with the best of them. Gorgeous!