Deiseal

Deiseal (Whelan’s, Dublin)

I HAD been told that Deiseal were breaking ground in relation to the combination of jazz and traditional music. However, while there were indications of such an approach, especially when Richie Buckley got up to play his saxophone at Whelan’s, I felt that the fusion of the tow forms was handled cautiously.

Deiseal play a type of traditional music that it’s easy to relax to. It is smooth and beautifully executed and it has this drifting, floating quality. In particular, Cormac Breatnach seems to have total command of his instrument – the low whistle – and he plays it with great energy and passion.

However, talent and command of your instrument can sometimes be a draw back when it comes to really going out there and breaking new ground. The idea of mixing jazz and traditional is indeed exciting. However, while tonight was a highly enjoyable experience, it did not make me stand back and say, this is different, this is truly new.

Perhaps I came with false expectations. Equally, perhaps Deiseal need to let loose more and take bigger risks if they are to make a name for themselves as a genuinely original band.

The future is in their hands.

• Gerry McGovern