The Humour Is On Me Now

The Irish are storytellers supreme, and for four decades now Ronnie Drew has been one of our most engaging raconteurs, both within and outside the context of the Dubliners. This latest album confirms that he has lost none of his skills. It combines songs from an older era with more contemporary material, woven together by empathic accompaniment and unfussy production by Mike Hanrahan, who should be given great credit for the end result.

A brace of Sean O'Casey songs - 'Since Maggie Went Away', and 'Red Roses For Me' - are outstanding, while another highlight is John Roger's jaunty accordion on 'The Limerick Rake' - a standard which also benefits from some nifty bodhran work.

Two pieces provide this album with its definitive context: the first 'Clearing A Space', a poem by Brendan Kennealy, with only Conor Byrne's whistle for company, the latter a beautiful reading of 'Raglan Road'. Taken together, these are the essence of Ronnie Drew and his beloved city.

This is a welcome return to form for Mr. Drew and a fine album to boot. Well worth a listen.