Turas Ceoil

It’s been nearly a decade since the release of Ó Bhéal go Béal, the fine debut album by Belfast-based flute player Marcas Ó Murchú. As the title indicates, its long-awaited followup reflects the wide-ranging influences and inspirations Ó Murchú has encountered over the course of his musical life – many of which are described in the commendably thorough 24-page booklet. High points include flute-and-fiddle duets with Ó Murchú's niece, Nóra Ó Murchú, as well as Oisín Mac Diarmada of the band Téada; some lively foot percussion from his wife Caitríona on a spirited set of reels; guest appearances by Spanish musician José Climent on gaita bagpipes and mandolin; and a set of jigs on which Ó Murchú is joined by no less than nine fellow flute players. There are some beautiful original tunes here, too – notably a sweet, lilting hornpipe called ‘My Dancing Bride’, composed while on honeymoon in California.