This album of duets from two of Ireland's great instrumentalists is an energetic, light, refreshing collection of tunes. Paul O'Shaughnessy's fiddle and Harry Bradley's flute play in perfect time with each other and the tunes have such a cohesive sound that at times one forgets that there are two instruments there, so well do they blend together.

The musicians are both well-respected as members of groups and as solo artists.

O'Shaughnessy was a member of Altan during their recording of A Horse with a Heart, The Red Crow and Harvest Storm and has recorded a solo album. Bradley has also been involved with Altan, appearing on The Blue Idol, as well as with the group Cran and solo projects, including a well-regarded debut album.

Having two such knowledgeable and talented musicians adds to the enjoyment of this album. The tunes flow smoothly from one to the next and variations on the instrumentation have been added. There are two flute duets, a flute solo and a fiddle solo creating a change from the flute-fiddle duet. These two instruments make up the bulk of the playing, with the addition of bouzouki played by John Blake, creating depth on several tracks.

The tunes are drawn from a variety of sources and a mix of tune styles. There are the standard reels and jigs. Polkas and Highlands aren't particularly uncommon, but barn dances add a shot of joviality to the album. Slides and hop jigs (in all my years as a dancer I never heard of the latter) round out the repertoire. Their sources include the playing of John Doherty, Sean McKeon, John Barron, Frankie Kennedy and Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh, among others. Written sources include Breandan Breathnach and O'Neill's collection. A more puzzling source is a tune heard on the radio while half asleep. The liner notes are very complete, with information on the provenance of the tunes and a bit of each one's history.

The wide range of styles and sources creates a diverse album that isn't boring or repetitive as some purely instrumental albums can be. Each tune is unique and the talented pair of musicians have allowed the traditional roots of the tunes to shine through, while still keeping the album fresh and interesting. Familiar tunes such as "Julia Delaney's" and "Felix Doran's" mix with the unfamiliar. There are also some unexpectedly unfamiliar tunes. "Green Grow the Rushes-O" and a tune that is apparently supposed to sound like "All Around My Hat I Will Wear a Green Coloured Ribbon-O" aren't recognizable as such, though they are enjoyable. The playing is light and vibrant throughout the album and the energy never wanes, making this one of the best Irish instrumental albums I have heard in ages.

This is a highly enjoyable album filled with fantastic playing, inspired arrangements and engaging tunes. The energy is palpable, and as Terry Moylan says in the liner notes, "This is music that is too good to dance to, and too good not to dance to." Find yourself a copy and feel the energy for yourself.

by Jean Emma Price
Rambles.NET
26 November 2005