The Diamond Mountain Sessions

Having picked up a deserved Meteor Award, Sharon Shannon’s 2000 album moves into marketing overdrive with a special re-release featuring a live album recorded with her regular band the Woodchoppers.

Those lured to the original album by its big name guests will perhaps find the all-instrumental collection a little lacking in variety, but the various styles that she has tackled recently are all given the nod and the Woodchoppers live experience comes over as a mighty fine one.

There can be few trad acts who swing so effectively and Shannon at full pelt is a joy to behold.