Speed 78

The title of Mike Rafferty's long-overdue solo debut refers both to this youthful septuagenarian's current age and to the old 78-rpm records that inspired him. A native of Ballinakill, Co. Galway, Rafferty grew up immersed in the East Galway tradition, learning to play both flute and uilleann pipes from his father, Tom 'Barrel' Rafferty. Since emigrating to the USA in 1949, he's been based in New Jersey, and has recorded three albums with his daughter, Mary, who plays accordion on several of the tracks here; other guests include Mary's husband, guitarist Dónal Clancy, as well as fiddler Willie Kelly, accordionist Joe Madden and pianist Felix Dolan. Spoken-word reminiscences about his family and his early years in music add to the fun.