The Gloaming - The Gloaming

A transatlantic traditional supergroup of sorts, The Gloaming includes Clare-born fiddle virtuoso Martin Hayes and his long-time collaborator, Chicagobased guitarist Dennis Cahill, along with Cork-born sean-nós singer Iarla Ó Lionáird, Dubliner Caoimhin Ó Raghallaigh on “hardanger” fiddle and New York pianist Thomas Bartlett (aka Doveman).

Together for barely three years, they’ve established a considerable live reputation for their rousing instrumental medleys and yearning, emotionally charged, vocal-based songs. Their much-anticipated debut delivers on their initial promise with ten tracks, covering a wide stylistic base and showcasing their considerable instrumental prowess. The atmospheric opening track ‘Song 44’ oozes delicacy and tension, the staccato strings, layered fiddle textures and Ó Lionáird’s fragile vocals combing to weave a hypnotic and magical effect. ‘Old Bush’, a guitar and- fiddle duel, builds into quite a maelstrom towards the finish, while elsewhere they mix instrumentals such as the familiar jig ‘Hunting the Squirrel’ and the jolly reel ‘The Sailor’s Bonnet’ with refreshing vigour.

The least “traditional” sounding song on the album is also the most compelling: ‘Necklace of Wrens’ features haunting, jazz-like piano vamping, ominous strings building in the background over Ó Lionáird’s ethereal voice, interpreting lyrics as Gaeilge by Limerick poet Michael Hartnett.

The centerpiece of the album, ‘The Opening Set’ is an epic 16-minute workout, which starts out as a plaintive ballad soulfully sung by Ó Lionáird, gradually building momentum with each musician taking turns to shine. Two-thirds of the way through, the pace and rhythm is upped considerably the band firing on all cylinders, to reach an exhilarating crescendo.

Recorded at Grouse Lodge and released on Peter Gabriel’s renowned label, this is certain to become a landmark album of its kind.