Sunny Spells & Scattered Showers

by Solas

Overview

It would be hard for Solas to top their eponymous debut album, and the group don't quite succeed, but they do present a wonderful follow-up nonetheless. Things are a bit more self-conscious and experimental this time around: Seamus Egan brings his banjo to the proceedings, playing it with an incredible rhythmic technique, and guest percussionist John Anthony bangs on drums from Europe, Africa, and Asia. The music, however, is still traditional, and that may keep the band from drifting off into worldbeat genericness. "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" is given a modern treatment but is still the same old story of rebellion wrapped in a love song. "The Unquiet Grave" starts with a conventional sentiment -- "Cold blows the wind upon my true love" -- but then develops into a weird dialogue between a man and his dead sweetheart. The instrumentals, as always, are dense and engaging. Sunny Spells and Scattered Showers is recommended to any fan of modern Irish music. ~ Kurt Keefner

Product Details

Release Date:	05/20/1997
Label:	Shanachie
UPC:	0016351781024
Rank:	109809

Tracks

1. The Wind That Shakes the Barley
2. Medley
3. Aililiu Na Gamhna
4. Medley
5. Medley
6. The Unquiet Grave
7. The Maid on the Shore
8. Song of the Kelpie
9. Medley
10. Medley
11. Vanished Like the Snow
12. Medley
13. Adieu Lovely Nancy

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Solas   Primary Artist
Albert Alfonso   Bodhran
John Anthony   Clay Drums,Talking Drum,Iya,Djembe,Dumbek,Hi Hat,Shaker,Bodhran,Taragat,Pandeiro,Triangle
Seamus Egan   Banjo,Flute,Bodhran,Mandolin,Percussion,Tin Whistle,Guitar (Acoustic),Whistle (Instrument)
John Doyle   Guitar,Vocals,Mandocello,Guitar (Acoustic)
Winifred Horan   Fiddle
John Williams   Accordion,Concertina
Karan Casey   Vocals

Technical Credits

John Anthony   Mastering,Mixing,Engineer
Alison Shirk   Photography
Otis Tomas   Composer
Rick Ridpath   Engineer,Assistant Engineer
Grace Chang   Design
Jerry Holland   Composer
Seamus Egan   Arranger,Composer
John Doyle   Arranger
Winifred Horan   Arranger
John Williams   Arranger
Johnny Cunningham   Arranger,Producer
John McCusker   Composer
Traditional   Composer
Karan Casey   Arranger
Ed Reavy   Composer