VARIOUS ARTISTS: “The Celtic Connection” (Green Linnet)

WITH FOURTEEN tracks, compiled from nine albums currently available on the Green Linnet label, this timely sampler features a top-notch crop of mainly American-based Irish traditional musicians and groups. These include such highly-rated outfits as Cherish The Ladies, Deanta and Open House (with Kevin Burke), as well as solo artists of the calibre of Eileen Ivers, Joanie Madden, James Keane, Andy M. Stewart and Martin Hayes. Also featured are the brilliant Altan – represented here by two tracks from their acclaimed Island Angel album.

While not in the supergroup vein of other recent compilations like Trad At Heart, Celtic Connection has a broad enough range of styles to appeal to both roots and traditional fans alike. From the lively box playing of James Keane, Joanie Madden’s swirling whistle and the atmospheric vocals of Deanta to the classical leanings of Eileen Ivers on ‘Pachebel’s Frolics’ and the sensitive balladry of Andy M. Stewart on ‘The Man In The Moon,’ the standard remains high.

Altan’s contribution to the affair is the enchanting ‘Dulaman’, and a trio of lively reels – ‘Humours of Andytown/Kylebrack Rambler/The Gladstone’ and the New York-based female collective, Cherish The Ladies offer the hauntingly beautiful ‘Inisheer’ and the energetic ‘Cameronian Set’. Other highlights include Martin Hayes’ ‘The Whistler From Rosslea’, Kevin Burke’s ‘Crowley’s Reel’ and Deanta’s ‘Thousands Are Sailing’.

Presumably intended to be a showcase for the Green Linnet roster, the aptly named Celtic Connection is an impressive collection in its own right and the label can only be commended for their continuing commitment and support for Irish music.

• Colm O’Hare