What is it about Irish/Celtic music that makes it a universal attraction. Here I am, a nice Greek boy, and I just can’t get enough of it. Spent last year with the Mrs in Ireland, and if we only went to one pub a night to take in the sounds, atmosphere (and Guinness), it was a bad evening. Or was it morning?
Anyway, as you may know, there are various types, styles and attitudes about this music. The group Lunasa tries, and mostly succeeds, with bridging the gap between the energy of the small pub and the grandiosity of a concert performance. Here, the latter is enhanced by the presence of the RTE Concert Orchestra conducted by David Brophy. The group itself, consisiting of Kevin Crawford/flute-whistles, Trevor Hutchinson/b, Ed Boyd/g, Sean Smyth/fiddle-whistle and Cillian Vallely/pipes-whistles, mixes panoramic beauty with energetic foot stompers. Of the latter, the melding of winds on “The Last Pint” is an absolute corker, while “Spoil The Dance” will get you roused up for the floor. The orchestra shows excellent restraint much of the time, bringing in shadows and hues most tastfully on “Casu” and “Leckan Mor” while going a bit over the top (and what Irishman doesn’t?) on “The Merry Sisters of Fate.” Mixing mirth and schmaltz, the band is as adroit on their instruments as they are savvy in milking a mood. A video of their performance of “Morning Nightcap” is also included, making this a merry feast!