Long Expectant Comes At last

Cathal McConnell is possessed of a prodigious musical talent, being widely regarded as one of Ireland's greatest flute and whistle players, and no mean singer to boot. Remarkably, this is his first solo album in twenty-two years, and though he is surrounded by some of the music industry's greats - try Richard Thompson, Dave Mattacks, Len Graham and Charlie Lennon, for openers - on this recording, the guest list is never the focus of attention.

There are some remarkable moments on this album, not least the unusual version of 'The Gypsies', with Michelle Kinney's cello drawing all sorts of marvellous shapes over the soundscape of a fine song. McConnell also plays some wonderful variations on 'The Derry Hornpipe', all six parts of it being performed on record for possibly the first time.

I could go on. Suffice to say, however, that this is a very distinguished way to open one's account for the millennium. If this album is not in the shake-up for honours at year's end, then there's no justice.

Quite superb.