Kieran Quinn
Album: The Next One
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.kieranquinn.ie

A prodigiously gifted pianist, Kieran Quinn, whose sophomore album this is, is currently on tour all over Ireland, performing a gig in each of the 32 counties, to showcase not alone his musicianship, but the possibilities engendered by collaboration with other musicians, their backgrounds ranging from trad. to jazz, and much in between. His star has been in the ascendant in his native Sligo and its hinterland for some years now, but as he said when we talked about this album a couple of weeks back "I wanted to see could I do it away from home". Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that he can indeed, judging by the positive commentary to date.

One of the many very pleasing things about this album is the number of original pieces featured. Ten of the twelve tracks are from his own pen, either solo compositions, or co-writes with friends. The two exceptions are Maggie, the well known trad. piece, and a positively shape shifting version of Bohemian Rhapsody. The opening track, Iwetta's Theme is a beautifully elegiac piece for a friend who passed last summer. From there on, a variety of styles and moods are explored, each of which help to round out the view that here is a man in sync with, and in control of, his muse. The aforementioned Maggie is a perfect case in point as he and saxist Matthew Halpin take some lovely liberties, while retaining the essential beauty of the tune.

Elsewhere, Meadhbh's Call, co written with local writer Kate Winter, and featuring Nichola Mc Evilly and Seamie O'Dowd on vocals is an entreaty - if one is needed- to come and visit this magical corner of Ireland, Niamh Crowley's violin underscoring it's melodic strength. Come Home is a song of emigration, achingly beautiful, sung with real passion by Indian's Joe Hunt, underscoring the pain of separation from family, and The Wild Atlantic Way should find its way into a movie before too long, if there is any justice. Steve Kohlmann's drumming on Mr. Tee is straight from the top drawer, as is the strength of Kieran's playing.

What we have here is the sound of a man who is emerging as a fine composer, whose technical skill, allied to a generosity of spirit, has delivered a fine, enduring album which will make serious waves far beyond the surf of his native Strandhill. A real triumph.

Oliver P. Sweeney