Customer Reviews

At First Light

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nice 'reunion' CD from two founding members of Lunasa. That original self-titled release showed a promise I don't feel has been realized on the band's two follow ups. 'At First Light' marks a return to the musicianship of that original title from 1998. Emphasis is on pipes and flute, with a nice sound balance between the two. There is also tasteful accompaniment on guitar and bouzouki, with some keyboards and bass thrown in as well.

Where McGoldrick's CD 'Fused' took a more modern approach to the production, 'At First Light' is a return to a more traditional vein. The arrangements are often straightforward but very musical.

Hard to pick out favorite tracks, as this is a good consistent title. The two Mikes really get going on such numbers as Farewell to Connaught, Rolling Waves, John Nee's/Lucy Campbell's, and Michael O'Dwyer's. Mike McGoldrick has stand out flute moments on Willie Clancey's, Farewell to Whalley Range, and Phyllis's Birthday. Occasionally he will strap on the pipes as well and you get a rare double uilleann dose. There's also some nice low whistle work. In fact, as on the Lunasa CD, one of my favorite tracks features two of them at once (Donald Blue/Ornette's Trip to Belfast).

This is one of the more enjoyable U.S. released titles I've bought recently. And now that the first Lunasa CD is available here, I'd definitely recommend that as well. Great playing, overall good tunes and not so much of the jarring transitions in tune sets that the band has gotten into in later releases.

This album carves itself a niche along side the most elite in the history of recorded Irish music. The energy, unsurpassed talent and creativity in this all instrumental CD will appeal to both staunch traddies as well as people just looking to dabble in "Celtic" music. From start to finish it holds up to even the closest scrutiny...and it's McGold-RICK.

After obtaining several albums from early Lúnasa, I wanted more, and the dual of Michael McGoldrick, their flute, whistle, and uillean pipe man, with John McSherry, another piper, backed by other musicians on guitar, fiddle, bass, keyboards, and bouzouki, provide us a jaunty journey to Ireland. The happy spirit, the uplifting lilts, a popular style in arrangements, and professionalism throughout, give this album great joy. I am a sucker for the uilleann pipes anyway. Thus, if you delighted in the instrumentals and spunk of Lúnasa in its Green Linnet days, then you will certainly appreciate this recording. Nay, you will get up to dance and skip to it!

A good selection of traditional tunes from pipers/flautists McSherry and McGoldrick, both former members of Lunasa. Unlike McGoldrick's Wired and Fused albums, the tunes haven't been mucked around with or brutally modernised (and spoiled). This is straight down the line Irish trad, well played by two superb musicians, with excellent accompanying musicians.

They are two of the most amazing musicians in the celtic music planet and this is a new extraordinary album. Thanks to Mc & Mc.