Liam Kelly & Philip Duffy
Album: Sets In Stone
Label: Stone
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/liamkellyphilipduffy

Stalwarts of the Sligo music scene, Liam from his playing with Dervish, and Philip from his involvement with sessions throughout the county and beyond, the idea for this album-the first fiddle and flute album from the region in some years- began to germinate about three years back. The result is a vibrant, driving, sensitive, and engaging study of a tradition which has given more than its fair share to our native muse, and which, thanks to these gentlemen, and many more like them, will be passed to future generations. Lest anyone think for a moment that this is an exercise in academia, it isn't; this is music which pulses with life, which reflects the moods of the area, particularly those of South Sligo, which gave us Coleman, Morrison, Paddy Sweeney and a host of others, and where I now live myself.

Music of this ilk is so important, not only because it preserves the tradition, but because, as it does here, it seamlessly folds in compositions from modern tunesmiths such as John Nolan from Wexford, and Birmingham's John McEvoy, now domiciled in Navan, with pieces which originate with those who have left , and headed west, to New York , Chicago and the like. There is a lift and brightness pervading this album, not alone from the nature, phrasing, and tune selection of the principals, which is exemplary, but also from the sensitivity of the accompaniment from go-to bodhran player John Joe Kelly, and guitarist Shane McGowan.

To pick any single track would be an invidious exercise, because they are all so darn good, but if I must, I would opt for the selection of barndances. There is a richness of melody here , and a mood created which suggests the swishing of petticoats and movement across stone floors at house dances. Next time someone asks "d'ye play d'oul Riverdance at all?", one would do well to remind them that music of this kind, honest and true, and pulsing with an energy unmediated by technology, is where it began. A truly essential album, full of lasting, beautiful music.

Oliver P. Sweeney