Queen Of Sky

Completing this triumvirate of albums from across the Atlantic is the latest release from Texas-based quartet Beyond The Pale. Their instrumental chops aren’t as strong as they might be however, they more than make up for any deficiencies in that department with superb vocals courtesy of three fine singers. Christy McLeod (guitar) does a great cover of Elton John’s ‘Where To Now, St. Peter?’ as well as a witty trad song about meat and self-preservation collected in County Clare, while the smooth-voiced Betsy Cummins (accordion) performs an old Western Swing number called ‘You Can’t Break My Heart’ with aplomb; and Gordon McLeod (fiddle, guitar, mandolin) takes the lead on the album’s standout track – ‘Hester’, a poignant song of his own composition inspired by a gravestone in Quin Abbey. Completing the lineup is John Delaney on flute, whistle, hammered dulcimer, sax and backing vocals.