Oisin MacDiarmada has come through Portland twice in the last year or so, and I've liked his playing. This is a record he did in 2000, with a harpist and a banjo player who are good, but not stellar. The ensemble sound is quite good, though, with some good tunes played at good tempos (ie, not blasting through everything at top speed, but playing it at a good pace for the tune).
The record is on Clo Iar-Chonnachta, and can be ordered through them at www.cic.ie is Amazon should fail you.
I have to argue with Jons comment on Michael Rooney and Brian Fitzgerald, both of whom are excellent exponents of their instruments and both, like Oisín, have recogniseably chosen styles. In saying this I personally prefer other styles on the Banjo but having played with Brian it is great to note the steady relaxed nature of his playing and the enjoyment one gains from listening to it. Michael Rooney is a legend in making. Not only a harpist of not but also shows his expertise on several other instruments, notably the concertina as well as declaring firmly his mastery of composition. This is most definitely an easy listening trad album with great tunes and excellent balance of instruments.
I agree with Dceol, Michael Rooney is a talent and is really respected in ireland. This site loves going on about the all-Ireland and how good it is & how important, etc, well he's won it so how do you figure that he isnt stellar? As for Brian, I love that groovey relaxed way of playing and I love this album!
Oisin MacDiarmada has come through Portland twice in the last year or so, and I've liked his playing. This is a record he did in 2000, with a harpist and a banjo player who are good, but not stellar. The ensemble sound is quite good, though, with some good tunes played at good tempos (ie, not blasting through everything at top speed, but playing it at a good pace for the tune).
The record is on Clo Iar-Chonnachta, and can be ordered through them at www.cic.ie is Amazon should fail you.
# Posted on August 25th 2002 by Jon Kiparsky
I love this CD. An unlikely combo of instruments, but it sounds great.
Zina
# Posted on August 25th 2002 by Zina Lee
I have to argue with Jons comment on Michael Rooney and Brian Fitzgerald, both of whom are excellent exponents of their instruments and both, like Oisín, have recogniseably chosen styles. In saying this I personally prefer other styles on the Banjo but having played with Brian it is great to note the steady relaxed nature of his playing and the enjoyment one gains from listening to it. Michael Rooney is a legend in making. Not only a harpist of not but also shows his expertise on several other instruments, notably the concertina as well as declaring firmly his mastery of composition. This is most definitely an easy listening trad album with great tunes and excellent balance of instruments.
# Posted on September 2nd 2002 by Dceol
The gang
I agree with Dceol, Michael Rooney is a talent and is really respected in ireland. This site loves going on about the all-Ireland and how good it is & how important, etc, well he's won it so how do you figure that he isnt stellar? As for Brian, I love that groovey relaxed way of playing and I love this album!
# Posted on September 2nd 2002 by bb