This is a low-key, middle-of-the-road set of arrangements of Irish folk tunes, and as such, it has no shortage of competition in the market. However, it stands apart from these, and for anyone who likes arrangements straddling the folk-classical line, it may be recommended. The unusual feature is that it's a non-Irish instrument,
Barry Douglas' piano, that takes center stage. The arrangements are by
Douglas himself, and while they don't vary greatly from one to another, they're quite attractive, setting off fiddle, harp, flute, and tin whistle against the piano in various ways. The album can be listened to for relaxation, but also with closer attention to the ways
Douglas reproduces folk ornamentation at the keyboard. The general mood is contemplative throughout, however; you're not going to hear vigorous dances here. But you do get a nice mixture of really familiar tunes and lesser-known items. Sample one of the former, such as "The Minstrel Boy," for a taste of the whole: despite the sentimental mood and the universally known tune, there's nothing hackneyed about what
Douglas is doing. The auditorium and studio sound from Cork University fits the project well. Recommended for Irish music lovers of all stripes except the rawest. ~ James Manheim