Review

Lúnasa is unique among Ireland’s trad bands for many reasons. Not the least that they have no vocalist. But most importantly they are led by Trevor Hutchinson, double bass, who also produced this album. Putting the rhythm first drives the playing of the other members. Sean Smith, fiddle; Kevin Crawford, flute and Cillian Vallehy, uilleann pipes are all top flight trad players. The album is not without beautiful airs such as Absent Friends, though it is the fast paced jigs and reels that have become their trademark. The Cullybacky Hop set opens the album with a bass introduction followed by uilleann pipes, fiddle, and flute as the players lead each other on a merry chase. Great sets of tunes follow one another and we realize that the great thing about a CD is you can play it all over again.

$21.00