Customer Reviews

Se

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!!

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.

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!

Despite the disappointing departure of long-time guitarist Donogh Hennessy, Lúnasa is at the top of their game on this album, and in my opinion, this could be their best album yet.

The tunes on this album, whether original or traditional, are solid, and there is perhaps only one track (track 5: Midnight in Avilés) that I dislike. The rest are amazing, whether invocative of dance (track 1: The Cullyback Hop) or beautifully haunting (track 7: Black River; my favorite on the album).

If you get a chance, please see them in concert, but in the meantime, get this album.

Okay, so Donogh is gone, but the Band have still got it down. It must do his head good though, that they now have two guitarists handling his spot!
It gives the Band a new dynamic. There are some terrific tunes on here. True experts on their instruments and though the sound is always polished and the tunes just flow, I think the lads need to do a live album for "Seacht"!
It's there, that the true Lúnasá sound takes flight. If you get the chance to see them, run, fly, crawl, just get there! and make sure you scream for Kevin to play the bodhrán, he is unbelievable. His whistle and flute playing are of course always outstanding, but on the skin..... Jaw dropping!
When I saw them they had a couple of sets with Cillian, Seán and Kevin on whistles and that, is just magic.

i have always loved lunasa and their sixth cd does not fail to impress me! some wonderful and fresh new tunes grace this cd. i only hope they keep up the great work!

If you love those irish lilts with horns, pipes and fiddle, you will love these fellows! The music is very moving - whether happy or melancholy! I heard them in person on Saint patty's Day and it was a real treat! I highly recommend them!

Lúnasa made the best sound ever heard in celtic music, but in some way I find this new work a bit routine.