Search - Sharon Shannon :: Tunes

Worth a couple listens but no more

Someone who knows about this stuff | 05/29/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"With an ensemble like this one, it could really go either way: a more traditional approach like Frankie Gavin's 1920s-reminiscent fiddle albums or a slap in the face of good taste like Mike McGoldrick's "Fused".



Thankfully, Mike and Shannon have left the exotic instruments and programmed beats off this record, but this group effort still lacks something.



The first couple listens, I was pretty impressed by the tight sound that the three solo musicians achieved, but where other albums from Slide, Danu and Trian grew on me over time, this one just annoyed me.



I think it's mostly due to Jim Murray's backing, which basically sounds the same on every track. His rythm on jigs is especially irritating at times (think former Lunasa member Donogh Hennessy on happy juice). Although this is clearly meant to be an ensemble recording, they play together ALL the time on ALL the tracks. As a result, they tracks feel like they run together.



That being said, the musicianship and tune selection is excellent and the album definitely doesn't lack excitement so it's still enjoyable to listen to, provided you don't get sick of it as I did.



I'd recommend Gavin's solo fiddle CDs and Mike McGoldrick and John McSherry's "At First Light" as alternatives to this. As for Sharon Shannon, well, that's another review."