Searc Mo Chléibh/Love Of My Heart

Sean nós singing has undergone something of a renaissance recently, and Finola O'Siocrú's debut, Searc Mo Chléibh/Love Of My Heart is a welcome addition to the genre.

Her voice is crystalline, and free of any counterfeit tone or decoration. With the bulk of the songs unaccompanied, she remains largely faithful to the sean nós tradition, letting the notes speak for themselves. Her pace and phrasing are impeccable, her tone fittingly langorous throughout.

Wisely though, she recognises that even the most enthusiastic fans might falter at the prospect of 10 sean nós songs in a row, so she peppers them with occasional, highly sympathetic instrumentation. 'Amhrán An tSagairt' is one example. It's a highly irreverant scéal, an account of a Blasket Island priest who bolts for the Protestant church so that he can be free to marry a local woman, and it's wonderfully delivered on top of a tapestry of accordion, guitar and cello.

Searc Mo Chléibh/Love Of My Heart bears all the hallmarks of Steve Cooney's hand on production duties. Ever subtle and considerate of the roots of the music, Cooney's vigilance ensures that the arrangements are sparse and yet tangible in what is a rich song collection. And with musicians of the calibre of Breandán Begley and Máire Breatnach in the pit, he's well equipped to stick to the chosen script.

Finola O'Siocrú has made a fine debut. It marks the beginning of what promises to be a mighty colourful recording career.