On The Fly

Patrick Street | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 13, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Loftus Music
• ASIN: B000VT2N2S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #302,852 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars perfect storm/pure drop, November 14, 2007

By 

Doc Dave "Doc Dave" (Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On The Fly (Audio CD)

I'm embarrassed to admit that I had no idea, until today, that John Carty had joined Patrick Street back in 2005. For those who love Irish traditional music this was already a truly extraordinary lineup, with backgrounds intertwined among such iconic groups as Planxty, De Dannan and the Bothy Band. And now they've added the multi-talented John Carty. After blurting out a big "WOW!" my first thought was "but wait, they've already got one of the greatest fiddlers of all time in Kevin Burke...what are they going to do with another?" Yes, my feeble mind had forgotten for a moment that in addition to the fiddle, Carty is also masterful on both the flute and banjo. His contributions on each of these three instruments really add something special to the already full-bodied sound of Patrick Street. I can't wait to see them live.

Needless to say, I was thrilled to see this album come out. The tune selection is superb, with plenty of my old favorites like Paidin O'Raifeartaigh, Martin Wynne's, Jackie Coleman's, Mulvihill's, etc., as well as several others that I've never heard (or heard of), such as Malynn's Fancy and John Stenson's. Each is wonderful. While none seemed quite as lively as the most spirited numbers on the 1999 "Live from Patrick Street" CD, it is nevertheless evident that they're at the very top of their game on this thoroughly enjoyable recording. In short, "On the Fly" is a CD that is well worth owning.

I was saddened to hear that this may be the last Patrick Street album featuring Jackie Daly on the accordian. Both he and his sparkling talent will be sorely missed.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Irish trad music at its best, February 12, 2008

By 

DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: On The Fly (Audio CD)

Another solid outing from this all-star Irish trad band. Kevin Burke, John Carty, Ged Foley and Andy Irvine simply soar on their instrumental numbers, while Irvine treats us to several of his patented brand of odd, arch historical ballads. The prize song here is "Sergeant Small," a bitter number from Australia about a migrant worker who is arrested for riding the rails, and his burning hatred for the policeman who brought him in -- strongly reminiscent of all those songs Irvine sings about nasty, black-hearted military men. He sings another couple of tunes of equal calibre, while Foley growls his way through "The Galway Shawl..." As I mentioned, the instrumental work is superb, some of the finest, liveliest, most soulful Celtic tunes you'll hear any time this year. If you like good, solid, real-deal Celtic trad, this record was made for you. (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue music reviews)

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Traditional Irish Music, October 11, 2008

By 

Michael (Placerville, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On The Fly (Audio CD)

Fáilte! Within the genre of traditional Irish music, I can easily rate this album at five stars. I am very happy to see Patrick Street back with a new album. They have been playing exceptionally good music for a very long time. I have already worn out a few of their classic albums and in process of wearing out their replacements. I am very impressed with the addition of John Carty, especially his fiddle, flute and vocals. He also has a relaxed style on the tenor banjo that reminds me of Kiernan of Stockton's Wing. He has a solo fiddle introduction to "Seanamhac Tube Station" that is gorgeous work. Andy Irvine (bazouki, mandolin, harmonica, vocals) and Kevin Burke (fiddle) sound like they are still in their prime. Ged Foley ( guitar, vocals) contributes his beautiful chord progressions and deep voice to the mix.

Farewell Jackie! I am very sad to hear of the departure of Jackie Daly. His contributions on the button accordian have been excellent, including hall of fame level performances with the old Patrict Street, such as "Music for a New Found Harmonium", "Jack The Bridge/Cul Aodh Polka/The Salmon Tailing Up The River", and "McDermott's Reel/The Plough And The Stars/Miss McLeod's Reel." He was also there at the beginning of the Irish music renaissance in the 1970's and contributed to De Danann with very lively jigs, reels, hornpipes and polkas. He will be missed.

I hate to make small suggestions in regaurd to an excellent album. The new group is finding its own chemistry and I may just need some additional playing/drinking time with the album to get adjusted. However, they start gently with a John's flute lead in "Na Ceannabhain Bhana/ Paidin O Raieartaigh." It is an excellent gentle to medium paced track. By the end of the album I was longing for a few more lively fast tracks thrown in that would be a throw back to their "Live" album. My favorite track on this album is "Martin Wynne's/ Jackie Coleman's/ Malynn's Fancy" and is an example of the livelier tracks that would make the set of tracks more dynamic in range of pace.

My compliments for a great album and the addition of John to the group. I think the addition of flute, fiddle, twin fiddles with Kevin, and banjo make John and his multi talents great. This is an excellent addition to any traditional Irish music collection. Slán agaibh!