Solas [LP], Solas, Vinyl

PRECIOUSLY few Irish bands can compare in both virtuosity and versatility withSolas, a quintet of truly dazzling individual talents. Multiple All-lreland championSéamus Egan plays no fewer than eight instruments, John Williams is a giftedbutton accordionist and the only American ever to win the coveted All-lreland sen-ior concertina title, Winifred Horan weaves deft classical touches with an earthypassion in her fiddling, Karan Casey possesses a crystalline voice that can soarlike no other, and John Doyle provides faultless guitar rhythms throughout. Butthe sum of Solas is far greater than their impressive parts, combining to producea marvelously spirited and textured sound rich in imagination, innovation, andtradition. They are the most exciting Irish band to emerge in many years - asthis stunning debut album attests. - Earle Hitchner, Irish Echo April 1996