Ann Kirrane performs magic on a number of familiar tunes that will delight the listener even if you already have a preconceived notion of how they should sound. This is no small feat, as we all have a protective feeling about old friends of songs.

The songs on One Small Star include "Wayfaring Stranger," "Swanee" and "My Love is Like a Red Red Rose." But there are lesser-known tracks here that will draw tears of sadness or joy from anyone with a heart. Topmost of these has to be "Bless the Road," which is beautifully written, performed and accompanied. The title track, "One Small Star," is one of the first tracks I ever reviewed, and Kirrane takes an Eric Bogle song that I have always loved and makes it like new.

"County Down" is another gem on offer on this CD, along with "Green Hills of Clare," recalling the thoughts of those living away from their native lands. Showing her amazing versatility, Kirrane bursts into lovely old songs like "All of Me" and "Down to the River," and entrances the listener. This continues to great effect on the beautiful love song "If You Love Me."

Emigration returns as a theme on the excellent "Working the Streets." Kirrane closes a diverse and diverting album with the heart-rending Jimmy McCarthy song "Wonder Child."

This album gives a wonderful new life to songs that can sometimes seem almost too well known to bother listening to. Bother, listen and be enthralled as old wine burst through new skins to intoxicate you and renew interest in too often neglected gems.

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