Usher's Island [CD], Ushers Island, CD

2017 release. Usher's Island brings together two generations of the finest and most influential Irish traditional musicians, stretching back to the acclaimed 1970's era of Planxty, through Andy Irvine and Dónal Lunny, and the Bothy Band, through fiddler Paddy Glackin. This next chapter brings in renowned players from the 1990's generation, with Mike McGoldrick (Capercaillie, ex-Flook and Lúnasa) on flute, whistle and uileann pipes and John Doyle (ex-Solas) on guitar and vocal. The resultant self-titled album is imbued with the musical history, both of the place where it was recorded and of the five celebrated members of Usher's Island. Their debut exceeds the expectations that inevitably accompany musicians of this calibre joining forces. The music combines the excitement of the 1970's traditional Irish groups with a modern sensibility informed by a range of influences. There are lively sets of traditional tunes, including tunes from the Goodman Collection, from Donegal fiddle playing brothers John and Mickey Doherty, and from Chieftain's fiddler Sean Keane. The songs range from fresh takes on the traditional Molly Ban, The Wild Rover and Bean Pháidín-which Dónal Lunny revisits 44 years after recording it with Planxty-to captivating originals by Andy Irvine and by John Doyle.