Music And Mischief

Description

Tis the season of introducing new albums, and a real corker has just been released by master musicians Kevin Crawford, Colin Farrell, and Patrick Doocey. MUSIC AND MISCHIEF is a stunning collection of newly composed and traditional tunes arranged with a brightness and high-spirited touch that will immediately take you to a happier place feeling relaxed and joyful. It has been a steady companion since I received it.

All three are exceptionally accomplished musicians. Kevin, born in Birmingham, moved to Clare for many years, and now living in New York is a long time member and spokesperson for the iconic band Lunasa. I would run out of room listing the musicians and events he has been a part of. He has long been considered one of the foremost flute, whistle players, and composers in Irish music. Born in Manchester of Irish parents from Cavan and Galway, Colin has been playing since he was 8 and in bands since 12 years of age. If you can name an Irish musician, he has played with them. Presently, he has been a regular member of Lunasa, especially here in The States, when Sean Smyth is unable to be with them due to his physician duties at home. I love when both are playing-deadly! An award winning fiddle and whistle player, as well as an accomplished composer, Colin is fast becoming one of the most talked about Irish musicians. Patrick has long been a highly respected and sought-after accompanist in Irish music. American born in Massachusetts, he moved to Foxford, Co. Mayo before returning and settling in New York. He is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, and amazingly self-taught on the instrument on which we know him best-the guitar.

Anyone who has spent time with Kevin and Colin or been to a concert of theirs, will have a chuckle at the album name. The humor and banter on and offstage well supports the title of MUSIC AND MISCHIEF! As you enjoy the music and think of their smiles, laughs and lighthearted chiding, you cannot help but feel happiness as you have a listen. Opening with a set including a waltz, jig set, and a reel, Mouse in the Mug orients you to the album's balanced mixture of tunes which also includes a march, slide, hornpipe, polkas, and Galician selections. If you have a favorite, it is included. Their play is fluid and consonant with harmonies that would suggest a familial relation. They are that good. Also accompanying on this album are the prodigious piano keyboardist Stephen Markham, Alan Murray on bouzouki, and Tony O'Flaherty on piano.

I haven't been able to choose favorites yet, well, other than Maryann's choice which I was humbled and so touched that Colin wrote for me… All tunes are well chosen or composed and pull at you in different ways. I do keep getting drawn to the slow pieces, The Headspinner and The Road to Foxford. Kevin and Colin each have solo sets that feature their mind-blowing talents. Kevin chose an unusual piece by Ferdinando Carulli, Opus 34 Duo in G that he gives incredible feeling to as he plays. Colin's set Head First/The Night Heron/The Happy Shadow/The Wild Lime is a combination of a jig and reels that will have you up dancing in the kitchen. We'll have to find out the story behind The Wild Lime! Patrick has no solo, but if you head to the beginning of The Road to Foxford, you'll get a taste of great guitar. His accompaniment keeps the sets solid and flowing with great balance. The Pure Irish Drops featuring Colin and Kevin both on whistles and Patrick's guitar forefront is uplifting and absolutely delightful! You can almost hear the stomp of the dancers' shoes as you listen to the Johnny Cope hornpipe. While they opened with a waltz, MUSIC AND MISCHIEF takes us out with a lilting set named Pelican Marsh that is so delightful, it has you hitting the restart button to listen to the album one more time.

We are so very fortunate as listeners with all the great music available to us. MUSIC AND MISCHIEF is sure to be one of the most talked about and enjoyed this year and for years to come. It is a gift of tunes and talent that is a must own for all who love Irish music.

A quick mention of another new album and musical duo you will want to check out and enjoy is two by guitar and vocalist Steve Crawford and fiddler Sabrina Palm. CONNLA's super piper Conor Mallon sent me this album which he is featured on assuring me I would enjoy their music, and enjoy I have! Steve is a singer, guitarist, and composer from Aberdeen who loves to feature the great Scottish themes of lost love, the sea and the hills of his homeland. Sabrina is a beautiful fiddler from Bonn Germany who has been playing Celtic music all her life. You will immediately enjoy her style which has a beautifully light touch taking you flowing through the music. Also joining them on accompaniment are the great bodhran player Robbie Walsh and Paul Bremen on viola. This album is a fine mix of traditional, several Sabrina compositions, and tunes from well known musicians such as Brian Finnegan, Kris Drever, and Gordan Duncan.