Coumineol

THIS IS a highly listenable collection from this Dingle-based uileann pipes player and whole-food restaurant manager who achieves a kind of new-age sound with his anciently-inspired, originally composed melodies.

Duignan's ambient, trance-like effect is achieved partly through his use of the low whistle, which gives it a sort of a Peruvian pan-pipes feel. The six pieces on this album clock in at over seven minutes each, allowing the listener to become completely absorbed in the tunes as they build into a whirling melange of textured and occasionally haunting soundscapes.

The overall approach is not what you might expect from an uileann pipes player of the traditional school and Duignan happily and successfully utilises electric guitars and bass, as well as some deft percussion touches to achieve the spiritual purity pervading 'Coumineol'.

Particular highlights are 'Dance Of The Gypsy Queen' and 'Ginny And The Tepee' but like the best concept albums, the tracks melt smoothly into one another making it ideal background music in the best possible sense of the word.

With contributions from guitarist Tony Small and Kerry roots outfit Draíocht, 'Coumineol' is an Irish album that should appeal to anyone who appreciates high quality, refined and delicate music.

• Colm O'Hare