The Boys of the Lough influenced countless other traditional Irish groups in the early '70s, and the reissue of their classic live album (recorded in 1974 at the legendary Passim club in Harvard Square) is cause for rejoicing. At that time, the quartet consisted of mandolinist Dave Richardson, flutist Cathal McDonnell, the legendary fiddler
Aly Bain, and Robin Morton on bodhran and concertina. Apart from the raw-edged but sprightly jigs and reels that one would expect, the set also includes a couple of hilarious songs and an interesting number called "The Hound and the Hare," a tone poem complete with baying dogs and the rabbit's screaming death. One wonders whether there might not have been some outtakes available to lengthen the CD program (this is a 20-year-old recording, after all, being reissued at full price), but it's still a wise investment. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson