Here is great playing from some of the best living Donegal fiddlers. I greatly enjoyed this recording, an anthology of Donegal fiddling today -- in fact, every bit as much as I enjoyed The Donegal Fiddle, an anthology of Donegal fiddling yesterday.
The playing is generally excellent. The best of the tracks are phenomenally good, representing the best that traditional Irish music has to offer. The playing on a few of the tracks sounds a bit rough to my ears; it is spirited and decent playing in any case.
Among my favorite tracks is Martin McGinley's two waltzes, "Con Cassidy's" and "The Speaking Waltz," especially the latter -- both roll along with a wonderful lyricism and no doubt they will inspire other fiddlers to learn them. The offerings by Jimmy Campbell, brother of Vincent, are very welcome -- this is grand fiddling, like that of some of the others on this recording, that comes from older times. I believe the Campbell brothers should make a recording together. Mick Brown's playing is also excellent, derived from the local traditions of Glencolumbkille and Teelin. It is slower, with a hint of the wispy, sweet sound that characterized the Cassidys' playing. His playing of the air "The Fintown Girl's Lament" is very fine. Some of my favorite tracks on this recording are from Proinnsias Ó Maonaigh; his playing rolls along with a wonderful swing and powerful, rich tone. Peter Tracey's clean playing is reminiscent of that of John Doherty and Tommy Peoples' -- indeed, most of the tunes he plays are sourced from Peoples. I suppose they saved (arguably) the best for last -- Paul O'Shaughnessy has what I think is his best playing here (others would disagree no doubt), at least as good as that on his recent recording with Paul McGrattan (reviewed separately). His playing is extremely clear and clean, with a bright tone and very crisp ornamentation, and it has a really driving swing. The two reels, "The Black Fanad Mare" and "Drowsy Maggie," which finish the recording, are inspired playing. I still prefer Johnny Doherty's playing of the former -- to get an idea of what a great difference there is in styles that go under the label "Donegal," one need only hear the two players play what is essentially the same setting. In my book O'Shaughnessy's playing of "Drowsy Maggie" is as good as I have heard from any Donegal player. It doesn't get any better than that.
I am told that Vol. 2 will be recorded live during coming summers at the Summer School. I look forward to that.
I recommend this recording to anyone with an interest in Donegal fiddling. It is good to know that the great musical tradition in Donegal is vibrant and thriving.
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