Uilleann Pipes And Whistles: Traditional Music From Co. Monaghan

As you might have already gleaned from the exactly-what-it-says-on-the-tin album title, twenty-something piper Martin McCormack doesn't go in for fancy trappings. He's a steady, unpretentious player who likes his ornamentation subtle and his pace on the gentle side. A virtuoso he's not, but his solid rhythm, well thought-out phrasing and deft use of the regulators for emphasis demonstrate the genuine artistry that underpins his performance. To accompany him on his debut outing, he's assembled a tight team of fellow Monaghan musicians – notably Téada's Seán McElwain. Other guests include fiddler Laura Beagan, harpist Fionnuala Rooney, Brian Walsh on bodhrán and bongos, and singer Amelia Murphy with a creditable version of 'Roger The Miller'.