The Merry Sisters of Fate

by Lunasa

Overview

Lunasa has become one of the best and most exciting Celtic ensembles in the world by updating Irish tradition in a way more subtle than usual. Where other bands incorporate Asian or African percussion, synthesizers, and electric instruments, Lunasa mostly relies on a different rhythmic approach while keeping the core instrumentation largely traditional (with the exception of string bassist Trevor Hutchinson). That said, there are a few electric guitars and other exotica (clarinet, lap steel, etc.) on The Merry Sisters of Fate -- but they mostly provide little more than subtle shadings of texture. As usual, the sonic focus is on the outstanding fiddler Sean Smyth, flutist Kevin Crawford, and piper Cillian Vallelly; on barnburning rave-ups like the "Merry Sisters of Fate" reel set and the "Minor Bee" jig set, they fly through the tunes with joyful abandon, pushed along by Donogh Hennessey's percussive guitar and Hutchinson's thrumming bass. And on more restrained fare, such as the eerie "Killarney Boys of Pleasure," their multitracked parts combine to produce a dark and complex atmosphere. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson

Product Details

Release Date:	06/05/2001
Label:	Green Linnet
UPC:	0048248121323
Rank:	44416

Tracks

1. Aoibhneas Eillis Ni Cheallaigh/Jimmy Ward's/Not Safe With a Razor
2. Donogh and Mike's 1st August/Windbroke
3. Killarney Boys of Pleasure
4. The Merry Sisters of Fate/The Longacre
5. Inion Ni Scannl¿¿in
6. Casu
7. P¿¿istin Fionn
8. The Minor Bee
9. Scully's
10. Return from Fingal
11. Morning Nightcap

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Lunasa   Primary Artist
Donogh Hennessy   Whistle (Instrument),Guitar
David Odlum   Guitar
Sean Smyth   Fiddle,Whistle (Instrument)
Ed Deane   Lap Steel Guitar
Trevor Hutchinson   Double Bass
Kevin Crawford   Flute,Whistle (Instrument)
Cillian Vallely   Uillean Pipes,Whistle (Instrument)

Technical Credits

Donogh Hennessy   Composer
Ed Kenehan   Mixing,Engineer
David Odlum   Mixing,Engineer
Michael McGoldrick   Composer
Joe Liddy   Composer
L.E. McCullough   Composer
Giorgia Bertazzi   Photography
Traditional   Composer
Kevin Crawford   Arranger