ISHNA

In 2012, they moved to Boston on the east coast of the US, where they met the four musicians with whom they expanded the band. They are Dan Meyers (flute and uilleann pipes), David McGrory (piano and accordion), Brian O’Neill (bodhrán and percussion) and, perhaps most unexpectedly, Björn Wennås, a Swede (guitar). Curiously, none of them had previously played Irish music. But over the past decade, the band has evolved, focusing on traditional Irish music.

For their debut album ‘Slí Amach’ (Way Out), the six musicians draw on the traditional repertoire whilst drawing on the diverse musical backgrounds of its members, ranging from jazz to folk and classical music. With the exception of the song ‘My Love is in America’, written by Chris Leslie (Fairport Convention), all the tracks – both instrumental pieces and songs – are Irish traditional tunes. You’ll therefore find a number of standards that will take you back to the 70s and 80s. ‘Cúnla’ (Planxty), ‘The Foggy Dew’, ‘Whisky in the Jar’ (The Dubliners), ‘Tippin’ it Up to Nancy’ – all great classics of the ballad tradition that are given a new lease of life here. Quite original, the album’s opening track includes a few verses of ‘Raggle Taggle Gypsy’ – another nod to Planxty.
With her beautiful head voice, Tara performs the Irish lullaby ‘Cucanandy’, which opens with a piano that quickly gives way to the flute and guitar. There is also ‘Blarney Pilgrim Set’, which is reminiscent of the Bothy Band’s style.
All in all, an album that certainly covers some very well-known tracks, but adds an original touch to them.

Ishna01 - www.ishnamusic.com