Customer Reviews

Invasion

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Jerry O'Sullivan is probably America's best known player of the Irish uillean pipes, and with good reason as this recording, his debut album from Green Linnet, shows. Jerry's mastery of the pipes ensures that his name will be mentioned along with Doran, Rowsome, Ennis, and Clancy.

For those of you who have heard Jerry's 1998, Seamus Egan-produced album, "The Gift," this album may be quite a change compared to what you have heard. "The Invasion" is a lot more sparse in its production and arrangements. Whereas "The Gift" has Egan's signature, lush arrangements and production, "The Invasion" has a more rough-and-ready feel to it (although Egan does make a couple of guest appearances on flute and banjo). Also, the tunes are more straight, Irish traditional tunes than the ones on "The Gift," which come from a variety of genres.

This album is chock-full of great traditional piping. Jerry's fingerwork seems effortless, and he makes full use of his regulators. The finest track is "Colonel Frazer," and Jerry's version has come to be regarded as the signature version of the tune, in many circles.

This album is an essential recording for Irish traditional music lovers, and uillean piping fans in particular. It is a stellar effort.

It's the right combination: A crystal clear recording with a proper EQ and balance(not easy to do for the Uilleann Pipes). And, Jerry O'Sullivan's style of piping that swings easily from romantic legato airs and waltzs, to charge-at-you-with-a-pike reels and jigs.

I usually have two categories of Uilleann Pipe recordings that I listen to. There are the "Pure Piping" recordings that (for me) make better learning materials. Then, there are produced, ensemble arranged recordings that (again, for me) make better headphone listening, when I just want to be entertained. Jerry O'Sullivan's "The Invasion" is a perfect combination of the two.

As a side mention: Jerry O'Sullivan's "The Invasion" is the first recording that I replaced vinyl with CD.

Jerry O'Sullivan, with pipes in hand, and friends on hand (Joanie Madden-Flutes,Whistles;Eileen Ivers-Fiddle;Rosalyn Briley-Harp;Mick Maloney-Guitar;Seamus Egan-Flute,Banjo,Whistle;Jesse Winch-Bodhran)will invade your aural senses and establish a friendly kingdom there.