When I first heard this album I thought to myself, "This is what I always thought the concertina *should* sound like".
Mícheál Ó Ralghallaigh is a very razzle-dazzle player but he never sacrifices the traditional side of the music. A must have for everyone.
This is a favourite album of mine, an inspirational must have for any anglo concertina player. Fine, strong music with a wonderful feeling of delight. Michael Rooney gives great support with harp accompaniment, and is worth listening to for his harp technique.
Micheal O Raghallaigh also performs with Providence, who have 2 albums, Providence and A Fig for a Kiss, both highly recommended.
This is the one. If you could own only one recording of Concertina playing, it would have to be this one. It just oozes tradition. Firmly in my top ten collection.
This is one of those albums which makes a regular vist to my CD player. Some great sets played at a lovely pace - there's nothing frantic or ragged. The boy gets great value out of the wee box!
This recording definitely does O'Ralghallaigh justice. Listened to him play at various sessions late into the night at the Catskills this past summer, and his playing is just great. Buy this CD if ya have any sense about ya, or even if ya don't have any sense, still buy it.
Besides making a great recording,
O Ralghallaigh wrote some warped and funny sleeve notes for it. I'm glad I bought it, especially because he explicitly wrote that there would be no refunds!
"Inspirational" would be an understatement. Once in a while, a musician will appear on the scene who isn't just a musician - they are a genius whose mind works in such a way that nobody else can even hope to come close to them - people like Miles Davis if you're talking about jazz. Micheal O'Raghallaigh is such a person. He takes a tune and does everything it's possible to do with it with his instrument. imo he pwns all other concertina players. He is the top rung of the ladder, end of story.
Just adding to the chorus of what a delight this cd is. Track 4 in particular is a completely lovely, understated, jig set. The dry wry sleeve notes are real pleasure too.
I haven't yet made up my mind about the two airs on this cd. (Well, I possibly have!)
Great Concertina Album
When I first heard this album I thought to myself, "This is what I always thought the concertina *should* sound like".
Mícheál Ó Ralghallaigh is a very razzle-dazzle player but he never sacrifices the traditional side of the music. A must have for everyone.
# Posted on May 26th 2002 by Brad Maloney
This is a favourite album of mine, an inspirational must have for any anglo concertina player. Fine, strong music with a wonderful feeling of delight. Michael Rooney gives great support with harp accompaniment, and is worth listening to for his harp technique.
Micheal O Raghallaigh also performs with Providence, who have 2 albums, Providence and A Fig for a Kiss, both highly recommended.
# Posted on May 27th 2002 by jeanette
The definitive Concertina album
This is the one. If you could own only one recording of Concertina playing, it would have to be this one. It just oozes tradition. Firmly in my top ten collection.
# Posted on August 25th 2002 by Ptarmigan
This is one of those albums which makes a regular vist to my CD player. Some great sets played at a lovely pace - there's nothing frantic or ragged. The boy gets great value out of the wee box!
# Posted on May 22nd 2003 by Aidan Crossey
What's that at the start of Track 12!!???
It kind of sounds like "OWWWW!" or maybe "Now!!!"
Anyone have any ideas/theories or otherwise???
Jumping Jehosephat this is a fan-frigging-tastic recording!
# Posted on July 21st 2005 by _Steph_
This recording definitely does O'Ralghallaigh justice. Listened to him play at various sessions late into the night at the Catskills this past summer, and his playing is just great. Buy this CD if ya have any sense about ya, or even if ya don't have any sense, still buy it.
# Posted on August 9th 2005 by Jason G
Besides making a great recording,
O Ralghallaigh wrote some warped and funny sleeve notes for it. I'm glad I bought it, especially because he explicitly wrote that there would be no refunds!
# Posted on June 1st 2006 by joesmith
Yes a great CD and he certain has a very distinct style of his own which is great. I must listen to some recordings of Providence next.
# Posted on August 21st 2006 by 52Paddy
"Inspirational" would be an understatement. Once in a while, a musician will appear on the scene who isn't just a musician - they are a genius whose mind works in such a way that nobody else can even hope to come close to them - people like Miles Davis if you're talking about jazz. Micheal O'Raghallaigh is such a person. He takes a tune and does everything it's possible to do with it with his instrument. imo he pwns all other concertina players. He is the top rung of the ladder, end of story.
# Posted on May 21st 2007 by Dow
Micheál Ó Raghallaigh in Concert
http://www.rte.ie/radio1/thelatesession/rams/18august.ram
From The Late Session Archive: http://www.rte.ie/radio1/thelatesession/1015109.html
# Posted on May 21st 2007 by slainte
the nervous man
i'm having no luck trying to find a copy of this cd by micheal o raghallaigh, would anyone have any ideas where i might find a copy ? thanks.
# Posted on August 12th 2007 by molloy
Re: the nervous man
I found this online, Molloy, it might be worth a try.
http://celticgrooves.homestead.com/CG_ORaghallaigh_Micheal.html
Good luck and happy listening.
# Posted on August 12th 2007 by Rook
Re: the nervous man
So, you're in the North. I would recommend these online shops:
http://www.madfortrad.com
http://ossian.ie
http://www.custysmusic.com
http://www.mulligan.ie
I actually haven't got the recording but enjoyed his performance on the radio: http://www.rte.ie/radio1/thelatesession/rams/18august.ram
From The Late Session Archive: http://www.rte.ie/radio1/thelatesession/1015109.html
# Posted on August 12th 2007 by slainte
Just adding to the chorus of what a delight this cd is. Track 4 in particular is a completely lovely, understated, jig set. The dry wry sleeve notes are real pleasure too.
I haven't yet made up my mind about the two airs on this cd. (Well, I possibly have!)
# Posted on July 26th 2009 by TomB-R