Moya Brennan & Cormac De Barra: Affinity

They’ve collaborated before, on the acclaimed Voices & Harps album from 2011. However, this new offering from the Clannad legend and the renowned harp virtuoso is much more ambitious.
Featuring both traditional and newly-composed songs, along with a surprising cover in ‘Sailing’ (a huge hit for Christopher Cross), the pairing works very well throughout. With the cream of Irish musicians on board, Affinity makes for a compelling record that blends traditional airs and contemporary textures with world music rhythms.
The Irish harp plays a central role, particularly on traditional jaunt ‘The Lass Of Aughrim’, the choral-like ‘Captain O’Kane’ and the haunting
‘Seothain Seo’.
Of the original songs, Moya’s ‘I Feel You Breathe’ stands out, with the ethereal vocal harmonies recalling Clannad’s groundbreaking approach, as heard all those years ago in the era of the international hit, ‘Harry’s Game’. The cover of ‘Sailing’ (the lead track from the album) transforms the song into a transcendent sonic wonder. Elsewhere joint composition ‘When The Morning Breaks’ is the most contemporary sounding song on show, with acoustic guitars and a light rhythm section. The aptly named ‘Worlds Collide’ blends Middle Eastern/North African percussion with an Irish air to fine effect.

Key Track: 'Sailing'