Search - John Whelan :: Celtic Roots

Seven time All-Ireland Button Accordian Champ!

William P. Mchale | 06/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The traditional button accordian has been a popular pub instrument in Ireland for hundreds of years. There are many talented Irish button accordian players, but none go into "the happy pub zone" as well as John. It seems that he starts playing and simply falls into a happy mega track of Celtic music that keeps rolling onward and onward. It feels like the separation between tracks is just a formality. This album and his earliar "Come to Dance" are good examples of why he has been regarded among the very best, champion concertina players in Ireland for years. The excellent fiddle playing on many tracks is being supplied by John's friend and collaborator for years, Eileen Ivers. There is also excellent Irish bouzouki (deep voiced, large, octave mandolin) playing in counterpoint to John and chording. This is great background for liftin' a'pint or two with friends and family. This is Irish the traditional Irish way with no electrical appliances in the band and nobody plugged into anything but the fine music."