Customer Reviews

New Irish Harmonica

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The harmonica is a much overlooked instrument in the field of traditional Irish music. Small, convenient and above all inexpensive, it is much more of a 'folk' instrument than the costly uilleann pipes or the courtly harp, and has been played in a lot more kitchens than the 'trad police' might have us believe. In 'New Irish Harmonica' (Green Linnet GLCD 3098), New Zealand native Brendan Power has produced a sparkling album that more than adequetly demonstrates the suitability of this instrument for the music. Displaying an astonishing virtuosity on both chromatic and diatonic harmonicas, and accompanied by Chris Newman on guitar, bass and mandolin (Newman also produces), Power plays the dance tunes on this CD with a wonderful bounce that really brings out their spirit. Although his bluesy introduction to "The Jolly Beggerman" might raise a few eyebrows at the Fleadh Ceol, the sense of fun with which he plays it comes through and can't help but bring a smile to the listener's face. The selection of music here is full of old favourites - "The wind that shakes the barley", "The rights of Man" and "The banshee" among others. A duet with fiddler Des Hurley, which includes the bodhran playing of Peter Houlihan, on a set begining with "The bird in the bush" (track 7) is a particular highlight, as is the Carolan tune "Lord Inchiquin" which rounds out the CD with a lovely baroque flavour. The sleeve notes include extensive information on the harmonicas used by Power on the various tunes, as well as giving a good idea of his approach to playing - useful stuff to the budding harmonica player. Although his technical skill is striking, the best thing about Power's playing is the way he lifts the tunes, bringing a wonderful spirit and warmth to the music. This is a marvelous recording and well worth adding to your collection.

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The Irish have been making great music on the harmonica for decades. The Murphys, Mick Kinsella and others have taken the humble mouth organ and made it fit in beautifully with the great music of the Emerald Isle. Brendan Power has taken this music of his heritage and has lifted it to its highest level.

For those who think that the harmonica is only good for Folk or Blues music, guess again. The harmonica is an amazingly versatile instrument and this particular album is a perfect introduction to irish harmonica styles. Power plays in several traditional Irish styles and the entire CD is a joy to listen to. Power is one of the the best of any genre and this album firmly places him at the top of the game. It is the best Cd available for beginning a exploration into the wonderment of Irish harmonica.

I definitely recommend that you get a copy of this CD if you love Irish music and no harmonica player would be worth their salt if they didn't own a copy.

I guess its only when you try to do something yourself that you realise just how brilliant the real professionals are. I am in that category when I play harmonica. This man plays each note cleanly, a technical acheivement in itself, the result is a CD that has me nodding my head in admiration as Irish folk clap their hands in approval. All the emotions that define Irish music are there, from the jigs and the ballards.Is there any finer tune than "My Lagan Love" after a few glasses of the black stuff when the mind mixes with the music? This really is an exhibition of how to play the harmonica in a popular and exciting style, the greatest CD of its type.

Powers plays tremendously well in this recording. None of the Irish tradition is lost in the substitution of the harmonica for the pipes or fiddles. Highly recommended album to purchase.

This album is enough to make you think the harmonica was designed especially to play Irish traditional music. Power plays trad in a completely convincing way, interpreting the music in his own semi-improvised style.