Danu

Just off the plane from Canada, Danú barely gave the audience time to breathe between sets. Kicking off with a set of reels, they sustained the listener's interest throughout in a performance that combined awesome power of music to change minds, if not lives.

This, too, was a Danú with a difference; now that vocalist Ciarán Ó Gealbhain is on stage all the time playing second box and whistle, there's not only a more integrated sound - and more power on stage - but it also works better on a visual level. As a vocalist he has the presence required, and more besides, whether it be on the easeful rhythms of 'Green Brooms', or the more emotionally demanding 'Idir Árd Mhór agus Eochaill'.

Nor does the instrumental power of the band need any validation here . On sets like 'Peggy's Nettles' or 'Are You Ready Yet' they have no peers, Jesse Smith's fiddle, Tom Doorley's flute, and Benny's box the musical equivalent of Solskjaer, Sheringham and Cole! What a frontline! What a gig! Absolutely wonderful.