Album Reviews
‘A Song for Ireland’ - pure gold from from The Baileys (July 15, 2009)
The Irish folk tradition – too often successive artists dredge
up the same old, same old when it comes to recording traditional songs. Then
occasionally someone comes up with pure gold.
I’m happy to tell you that if you
love the Irish tradition the new album from The Baileys – ‘a Song for Ireland’
will not disappoint. This is traditional Irish song as it should be sung.
 The Baileys are Michael Banahan (vocals, acoustic guitar,
bodhran) and Anthony McDermott (acoustic guitar). On this album they add guests
Paul Gurney (piano, bass, accordion, acoustic guitar and percussion) Noel
Carberry (uilleann pipes and whistles) Aoife Kelly (fiddle) Johnnie Duffy
(banjo) and Danny Sheerin (backing vocals). And that mix is just right.
This gentle and restful amble round the woven wonders of
Irish song is carried by Michael’s richly crafted voice. Borne by an intricate
yet infinitely subtle musical web it leads you to hidden places. You may well
recognise the songs, you may have heard them dozens of times before, but this
album is as fresh as distilled dew on a green grass morning.
In this album many of those traditional songs that inumerable
bands have done to death, earn a new life. From ‘Rocky Road to Dublin’ and ‘A
Song for Ireland’ through ‘Black Velvet Band’ and ‘Peggy Gordon’ to ‘Dirty Old
Town’ and ‘Fiddlers Green’ - the deft touch of true musicians is there for all
to hear.
If there’s a place in your heart (and ears) for the Irish
tradition delivered with care and consideration add this album to your
collection - go to www.copperplatemailorder.com. But be prepared, you may grow to despise some of the versions you
already have.
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