There's a bit of a supergroup feel to this disc. Kevin MacLeod, back once again, matches his mandolin, cittern, bouzouki, and tenor guitar talents with Alec Dunn from Ireland's De Dannan on bouzouki, Kris Drever (now of LAU) on guitar, and Luke Plumb of Shooglenifty on bouzouki and mandolin -- a feast of plucked strings. The mix of music -- traditional and contemporary Irish and Scottish tunes -- isn't just technically satisfying, it positively buzzes with joy and energy. There's an true elegiac quality to the pipe tunes here, such as "Heights of Cassino," but when it moves uptempo, as on "The Nominator Reels" or "Nautical Hornpipe," everything sparkles, although the highlight might be the wonderfully titled "The Ladies' Jigs." With plenty of instrumental variety, this is a master class in playing, but with the feel of a relaxed pub session.
© Chris Nickson /TiVo