Former
Boys of the Lough and Five Hand Reel guitarist and vocalist
Dick Gaughan continues his exploration of Celtic-tinged originals and covers on the 2001 release
Outlaws and Dreamers. Crisp and fiery guitar work contrasts his strong, clear voice on
Phil Ochs' "When I'm Gone and
Si Kahn's "What You Do With What You've Got," as well as on the traditional "Dowie Dens o Yarrow." Most of the tracks are simply
Gaughan alone accompanied by his guitar, with a few fiddle and concertina highlights from former
Battlefield Band member
Brian McNeill. After nearly 30 years performing music, it would be easy for
Gaughan to grow dull and complacent, but
Outlaws and Dreamers proves that he still has the same spark that was evident on his earliest releases. ~ Zac Johnson