Daybreak: F¿¿inne an Lae

by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh

Overview

If a listener approaches Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh's new album expecting to hear traditional interpretations of Celtic folk songs, he or she will probably be disappointed. If, on the other hand, a listener approaches Daybreak: Fainne an Lae as contemporary folk that borrows a thing or two from tradition, he or she will find it quite enjoyable. Part of the problem in how to interpret her music is that even her name, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, hints at tradition, as does the album's title. And it doesn't help that she sings a number of old folk songs in her native tongue, again hinting at a commitment to traditionalism. But whatever language Amhlaoibh sings, and whether the songs come from ancient sources or Richard Thompson, the songs that grace Daybreak are easygoing and gentle contemporary folk in the style of Kate Rusby (not Anne Briggs). The opener, "Western Highway," for instance, would be perfectly at home on a number of NPR programs. Daybreak allows Amhlaoibh to take center stage and, along with her pleasing vocals, show off her prowess on both the flute and whistle. Fans of her previous work with Danu will welcome her debut on Compass. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

Product Details

Release Date:	03/14/2006
Label:	COMPASS RECORDS
UPC:	0766397442822

Tracks

1. Western Highway
2. Free and Easy
3. Seoith¿¿n Seoth¿¿
4. Cnoc¿¿n and Teampaill
5. Persuasion
6. Sl¿¿n le M¿¿igh
7. The Isle of Malachy
8. An Spealad¿¿ir
9. The Emigrant's Farewell
10. Humours of Whiskey
11. The Banks of the Nile
12. The Parting Glass

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh   Primary Artist
Billy Mag Fhloinn   Bodhran
John Doyle   Guitar
Shane MacGowan   Guitar
Eamon Doorley   Bouzouki
Oisin McAuley   Fiddle,Vocals (Background)
Julie Fowlis   Vocals (Background)
Gerry O'Beirne   Guitar,Ukulele,Guitar (12 String),National Steel Guitar
Tony Byrne   Guitar

Technical Credits

John Doyle   Arranger
Tim Finn   Composer
Shane MacGowan   Arranger
Eamon Doorley   Arranger
Oisin McAuley   Arranger
Randy LeRoy   Mastering
Gerry O'Beirne   Composer
Andrew Laking   Design
David Haley   Production Coordination
Aine Moynihan   Translation
Thad Keim   Production Coordination
Richard Thompson   Composer
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh   Producer,Arranger,Mixing
Rollow Welch   Production Coordination
Ivan O'Shea   Engineer,Mixing
Traditional   Composer
Tony Byrne   Arranger