The Rowsome Tradition

If tradition means passing on and according due respect, then The Rowsome Tradition lives up to its title to a tee. Kevin Rowsome is lucky enough, by an accident of birth, to belong to one of Dublin's finest piping families.

This is a CD of two halves, Brian. The two are quite different beasts, differing in every aspect: size, hue, and chronology. The first dozen tracks are snapshots of Kevin's own playing, stylistically adventurous and imaginative. The last six bonus tracks are archive recordings of Kevin's grandfather, Leo, his father Leon, and his uncle, Liam, three stalwart pipers who were never afraid to put their own blas on the music either.

Kevin Rowsome's own repertoire draws from a broad palette. The opening set of reels, from 'The Limestone Rock' and 'The Five Mile Chase' with its gutsy guitar percussion underscoring Rowsome's stealthy tracing of the tunes, to the more expected twinning of fiddle and pipes on 'Kilcooley Woods' and 'The First of May' (with Lorraine Hickey on fiddle), whisper of a player at home in his own musical skin.

The archive recordings fit seamlessly beside the contemporary pieces. With some technical wizardry (courtesy of Trevor Hutchinson), excess interference has been excised, revealing playing of immense virtuosity, skill and passion. Hearing 'O'Donnell Abu' recorded at an impromptu session along with the almost music-hall ambience of 'The Liverpool Hornpipe' with Leo on pipes and his son Leon on piano is a timely reminder of the root and branch system of the music.

The Rowsome Tradition bears witness to the fiery past, and celebrates the rosy health of the present. A fine debut, auguring well for Kevin's next excursion into the studio.