LÚNASA

Since 1997 they have played over 2,000 concerts in 36 countries, including Japan, where they returned for a series of three concerts in a small hall in Kyoto. What's unexpected is that, unlike most bands, they haven't gone back to their usual repertoire. Instead, they offer us Live in Kyoto, an album of ten tracks and twenty-seven tunes, the eleventh of which is made up of traditional tunes played by other musicians or tunes composed and performed by some of them on their own albums.

The album opens with The March of the Min na Toitean Bull, a Donegal tune recorded by fiddler John Doherty as well as Altan, Michael McGoldrick and Bríd Harper. Also Comb Your Hair and Curl It, popularised by Altan.
Kevin Crawford's talent as a flautist is showcased on Liam O'Raghallaigh. The same goes for fiddler Seán Smyth on The Blue Fiddle, while the flute and uilleann pipes duo of Kevin and Cillian Vallely explodes on Man from Moyasta. On the final set of the album Cabin in the Woods, flute, fiddle and uilleann pipes intermingle, backed by the rhythm of Ed Boyd's guitar and Trevor Hutchinson's double bass.
As usual, Kevin loves music from Brittany, Lúnasa integrate a suite of Breton tunes: Bal Loudieg borrowed from Kornog and Gouel Hollvedel by Alan Stivell.
Live in Kyoto, once again, captures the energy and inspired playing that permeate Lúnasa concerts, a band that pushes the boundaries of tradition while knowing how to respect it. More great art.

Lúnasa Records LRCD006 - www.lunasamusic.com