As much fun as albums like the infamously over-dubbed Thin Lizzy classic, Live And Dangerous, are, I’ve always felt that a live record should remain as raw and untouched as possible. Regardless of whether it was made over a period of a few nights, or a complete long-haul tour, the finished LP should reflect what the audience heard during that specific show. There is, I guess, an element of ‘historic record’ involved. Or that’s the way I see it.

Maria Live by the multi-talented Dubliner, Maria Doyle Kennedy, is a very good example of how it should be done. Under the guiding hand of producer Kieran Kennedy, she lets the original performances speak for themselves and the reslts are hugely impressive. Recorded in Vicar Street and the Pepper Canister Church, MDK’s voice is very much front and centre stage: the renditions of ‘Sing From The Sea’ and ‘Call Me’ in particular are stand-outs. Not exactly a warts and all release (there are very few missteps here, I can assure you), the other highlights include Maria’s stark re-imagining of Pat Benatar’s evergreen ‘Love Is A Battlefield’ and the diabolically good murder ballad ‘O Molly Dear’, which sahe sings superbly. Serving as both essential listening for long-time fans and an excellent introduction to her back catalogue, Maria Live captures the singer at her impressive best: her voice, throughout, could charm the very stars from the skies.