Customer Reviews

Welcome Here Again

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
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With over a decade under their belts as a creative team, the Irish duo of Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill return with another set of subtle, elegaic fiddle-guitar instrumentals. It's moody, mournful and utterly entrancing - one of the most interesting aspects of their style is how unobtrusive and unassuming Cahill is as an accompanist for Hayes' masterful violin work. Guitarists are often expected to come up with some sort of hot licks, but Cahill seems utterly content to play a strictly supporting role. This sets the tone for all their work, music that doesn't dominate or assault your ears, but does provide a rich, rewarding experience. If you've ever felt turned off by stereotypical Celtic instrumentals -- all those hyperactive jigs and reels -- give Hayes and Cahill a shot. They find the soulful, melodic core of the music and linger there, in the hurricane's calm eye, just drinking it all in. (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue music reviews)

This is perhaps the most austere, melancholy album yet by Martin Hayes. With precise and minimalist accompaniment by Cahill he wrings every emotional nuance out of a tune. The 4 minute slow air, Wind Sept Hill of Tulla, is a thing of beauty, and almost overwhelming with intensity. The duo assemble one extended set of toe-tapping reels for over 6 minutes, played flawlessly, which still doesn't approximate the jaw-dropping crescendos that fly from the strings of these two during their 15 or 20 minute explorations in concert. Overall, this album is a beautiful set of great tunes, too perfectly executed. My favorite duets are those when Cahill picks up the mandolin and plays. Some of the guitar playing sounds a bit like he's working (to stay out of Hayes' way.)

Martin Hayes, over a 15 year period (from 1993) has released only five albums. This one, Welcome Here Again, released in Feb 2008, is simply stunning. Martin (along with Frankie Gavin) is the king of Irish fiddling, whether it be jigs, reels, slow airs or dance tunes.

This album ranks as one of his best. The fluidity of the playing is staggering; unmatched by any fiddler playing today (except the aforementioned Frankie Gavin). An essential purchase.

It's great to have another Hayes/Cahill CD. I wish there were more of them. Martin Hayes is an amazing fiddler.