Sé

Lunasa

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 21, 2006)
• Original Release Date: February 21, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Compass Records
• ASIN: B000E40PR0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #90,751 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Lúnasa’s contribution to Saint Patrick’s Day 2006 (and all celebrations thereafter!) is Sé (pronounced "shay" -- Irish for "six", this being their album of that number.) Produced by double-bassist Trevor Hutchinson, the band’s trademark instrumentals are as tight, weightless and clean as ever, with a sophisticated perpendicular swing that sometimes knocks more typically straight up-and-down reels and jigs sideways. But despite the festal merriment of the dance pieces, the real standouts are the slow airs, in which poignant, meandering melodies unfold in a leisurely manner, gradually revealing themselves in full splendor. "Absent Friends", composed by flute, whistle, and bodhrán player Kevin Crawford and paired with Diarmaid Moynihan’s equally lovely "Ivory Lady" is one such, "Two Of A Kind/Portobello" and especially, "Glentrasna/ Miss Admiral Gordon's Strathpey" are two more. "Midnight In Avilés" consists of a tune from Galicia, an ancient Celtic outpost in Northern Spain, plus two from Brittany in Western-most France, one of the original six Celtic nations along with Ireland, Scotland, Isle Of Mann, Wales and Cornwall. --Christina Roden

Product Description
Lúnasa’s self-titled 1996 debut album was considered by many to be a new chapter in the development of Irish music. By pinning traditional elements of composition and instrumentation to a fluid rhythmic undercurrent, Lúnasa achieved a new pinnacle of urgency and intricacy -– sparking off unprecedented acclaim and notoriety in the process.

Lúnasa’s sixth album Sé (pronounced "Shay"), reveals the band at the top of their creative prowess. Marked by a shift towards a more sophisticated and always original approach, their music is mirrored with styles that inflect more contemporary sounding arrangements that exuberate an ornamental elegance.

Building on the rock-solid rhythmic foundation of double bassist Trevor Hutchinson (ex-Waterboys, Sharon Shannon Band), piper Cillian Vallely, flautist Kevin Crawford, and fiddler Sean Smyth create a melodic context while introducing the alternating contributions of guitarists Paul Meehan and Tim Edey. Six years of constant touring has elevated the band’s already-formidable skill to peak brilliance, perfectly captured on Sé.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In top form, February 21, 2006

By	Eric A. Politzer (San Francisco) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I picked this up at a recent Lunasa concert here in San Francisco before it was released. The lads performed about 5 cuts from the CD, all of which harkened back to the fluidity and bouyancy of Redwood, my favorite Lunasa CD. This CD sounds like the gents are having fun playing again, not striving and aching for something new and different as they did with Kinnety Sessions. Every piece in this collection stands alone while leading effortlessly into the next selection. The CD also contains a couple of the most touching and lyrical songs they have come up with in awhile. Great effort all the way around!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Never Disappointing, March 2, 2006

By	rjwalsh3131 (Syracuse, NY USA) - See all my reviews

I first noticed, before even listening, that guitar player Donogh Hennessy is absent. As the rhythm of this band plays as big a role as anything else, I was a little worried. But upon listening, I realized that any fears I ever have about this band are unfounded. Their sixth U.S. release is every bit as amazing as the other five, and any fan of trad. Irish music should not be without any of them.

I'm not sure if Hennessy's absence has anything to do with it, but there is none of the high-flying flair of the brilliant OTHERWORLD (still their best record), but it doesn't matter at all. A bit more like the subdued KINNNITTY SESSIONS from 2004, there are still some foot-stomping gems along with the usual masterwork of flute, fiddle and pipes. These four men are like physicists working with Irish music at the molecular level, building it up and using it to paint the most lively scenes. Individual talent is unprcedented, but the way they play off each other and make changes is the trademark of this excellent group. "Absent Friends" is my early favorite, with "Road To Barga" sneaking up on it. I now realize that I will never be disappointed with Lunasa. Ever.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sláinte!, December 2, 2006

By	Andrew D. Lossing "Go real." (Coquille (nowhere-ville), OR, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Lúnasa perhaps more than any other Irish band out there commands the ability to impress, over and over again. Their fluidity and complete mastery of their instruments and material are simply more than we expected were possible.

Sé is a strong piece of work, building off of some of the band's best styles. As usual the majority of the tracks are multiple sets, binding some traditional and some original work. Lúnasa has always done well with slower, less bouyant airs as well, and "Glentrasna" stands out here. While overall I must say I prefer their earlier work, Redwood, this album captures much of the same spirit. Suffice it to say that my last bit of paperwork in a non-heated trailer in the midst of a cold snap was rendered much warmer and more agreeable by the sound of this music! Well worth toasting with a pint of Guinness Draught!