Customer Reviews

Journey: The Best of Donal Lunny

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If you had one name to run in a poll to name the single person who had the greatest influence over the development of modern Irish music. That name would be Dónal Lunny from Co. Kildare. His plethora of occupations include guitar, bouzouki & bodhrán player, composer, arranger, band leader, producer and musical director. What set him apart is the innovation and experimentation during the 1960's with different blend and technique of guitar chords.

In those early 60's his career took off followed after a short spell with the band Emmet Spiceland. He then met up with Christy Moore. There it all began to blossom into the most influential music and one of the best Irish composers today. Each of his creative and original bands, Planxty, the Bothy Band, Moving Hearts, and just recently Coolfin. The electic talent has been so successful that it redefines the current state of the Irish arts. His music links to idioms as Breton, West African, Mediterranean Europe and contemporary rock to hip hop. All of these are reflected in his composition and styling of his work. His production work is very diverse as he has the likes of Altan, Elvis Costello, country artist Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopler.

This album highlights more than 25 years of his performing career. Also presents performances with Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Brian Kennedy, Ireland's fiddle master Natalie MacMaster and Andy Irvine. This also features the unreleased version of 'Millenium Suite' by Coolfin. Even includes the 9 minute epic 'Tribute to Peadar O'Donnell.' With everything like this that lays the foundation of excellent Irish contemporary sound has made it's place in the modern music industry. This 2 set CD gathers together some of the best work composed during the span of 2 decades. This is truly a journey to experience. This would be a great addition to anyone's collection who appreciates fine music.

Although this cd set includes tunes from the phemonmenal Bothy Band from 20 years ago, as well as Moving Hearts, and some other assembled musicians, this all sounds fresh and new. This is a perfect follow up to Donal's last effort, Coolfin, with many of the same superb musicians that appeared on that cd: John McSherry, Nollaig Casey, Sharon Shannon, for example. You can't go wrong with this, if you like Irish music played with passion by musicians willing and able to bend the rules.