As someone who grew up in a world where Irish traditional music had a strong purgatorial smell about it, it’s always refreshing to have Sharon Shannon’s regular reminders that playing Irish music can actually be fun. And for the audience too!
This is a double 29-track CD that not only shows why Shannon has been described as the Jimi Hendrix of the accordion, but also how flexibly she can adapt to other musicians and foreign styles. Best of the guest tracks are Damien Dempsey’s wrenching ‘Colony’ and ‘I’ve No Alibi’, and Roesy’s unfailingly winning ‘Trailin’ The True Stars’. Mundy’s ‘July’ also works a treat, as does Declan O’Rourke’s rambunctious ‘No Breaks’. But I have to admit, with hand on heretical heart, that I can’t share her enthusiasm for Dessie O’Halloran. When it comes to the instrumental stuff, Shannon is turbo-charged as always, and is admirably served by a band that can rock and stroll as required. The major successes include ‘Cavan Potholes’, the lengthy ‘The Mighty Sparrow’, the ubiquitous ‘The Bungee Jumpers’ and ‘Blackbird’. But just when you think it can’t go any higher they up the gears for a finale with ‘Galway Girl’ and ‘Ring Of Fire’.
There may still be some who believe Shannon should have been excommunicated long ago by the trad police for her treasonous truck with alien life-forms. They should instead thank her for showing how Irish music can lift spirits and broaden minds.