Ór

Ór, meaning gold, is indeed a suitable title for this collaboration between two of Ireland's finest acoustic labels, bringing together as it does 16 tracks going back over a 30-year period, which indicate at first glance just what a rich seam our native music mines.

It's fitting, too, that one of Ireland's greatest musical figures, Donal Lunny, is heavily represented. This, however, is not about one man or woman, but the strength of the muse ranging from a raw version of 'Dúlaman' by Clannad to the almost bluegrass feel of whistle player Bria Hughes' contribution.

As I write, The Voice Squad are percolating from the living room and anybody who thought that Sharon Shannon, represented here also, was the only talent in her family, should listen to sister Mary and her fellow Bumblebees as they take all manner of detours on Mick O'Brien's set.

There is much to engage the listerner here but be warned: if you like this album as much as I do, you could end up buying the set of 16 from whence the tracks came. Given a choice between that option and buying Telecom shares, I know what I would do.

If you wish to dip your toe in the waters of irish music, Ór is no bad place to start.