For Love and Laughter

by Solas

Overview

Few Irish bands that are as deeply rooted in Celtic tradition as Solas is manage to rock anywhere near as hard as they do. It's not just that they play with vigor and power -- it's that they rock. On their eighth album of new material (and first with singer Mairead Phelan) they focus, as usual, on traditional tunes and songs, investing everything with their trademark blend of off-handed virtuosity and joyful energy, and they throw in a few subtle curveballs as well -- such as a lovely arrangement of Rickie Lee Jones' "Sailor Song," and another of an old Dillards number called "There Is a Time." Hipster string band the Duhks join in for a couple of tracks as well. But while there are no weak tracks on this album, its most thrilling moments turn out to be the most traditional (or at least traditional-sounding) ones: a stunning rendition of "The Gallant Hussar," the spectacular reel set that opens the program, and a pair of original jigs by bandleader Seamus Egan and guitarist Eamon McElholm. The exception to that rule is a drop-dead gorgeous modern song called "Merry Go Round," a tune that is not especially Celtic in feel but that fits beautifully into the program anyway. Phelan's voice is quite different from that of original singer Karan Casey -- it's a bit darker and grainier, and it brings a nice new facet to Solas' established sound. ~ Rick Anderson

Product Details

Release Date:	08/26/2008
Label:	COMPASS RECORDS
UPC:	0766397449029

Tracks

1. Medley: Eoin Bear's Reel/ Tune For Sharon/ The Rossa Reel
2. Seven Curses
3. Medley: Tilly's Jig/ The Happy Traveler
4. Mollai Na Gcuach Ni Chulleanin
5. Merry Go Round
6. Medley: Sunday's Waltz/ Solo Double Oh
7. Vital mental Medicine/ The Pullet
8. Sailor Song
9. There Is A Time
10. Medley: John Riordan's Heels/ Hoban's White House/ The Lisnagun Jig
11. The Gallant Hussar
12. My Dream Of You

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Solas   Primary Artist
Eamon McElholm   Piano,Organ (Hammond),Guitar,Vocals
Scott Senior   Percussion,Guest Artist
John Anthony   Bodhran,Percussion,Guest Artist,Drums (Snare),Drums
Natalie Haas   Cello,Guest Artist
Chico Huff   Guest Artist,Bass (Acoustic)
Mick McAuley   Guitar,Vocals,Button Accordion
Leonard Podolak   Banjo,Guest Artist
Jordan McConnell   Guest Artist,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Winifred Horan   Viola,Fiddle,Vocal Harmony
Dirk Powell   Guest Artist,Bass (Acoustic)
Tania Elizabeth   Fiddle,Guest Artist,Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Eamon McElholm   Composer
Pete Rydberg   Engineer
John Anthony   Engineer,Mastering,Mixing
Antje Duvekot   Composer
Rickie Lee Jones   Composer
Winifred Horan   Composer
Dirk Powell   Engineer
Traditional   Composer
Ivan O'Shea   Engineer
Robert Hakalski   Design,Photography