AIDAN CONNOLLY

His mother Eileen, a tin whistle player, gave him a fiddle for his eighth birthday and introduced him to traditional music. His uncle Con Moynihan, also a fiddler, also took part in his nephew's musical training. And then as a teenager, he took lessons from Tomás MacUileagóid, which had a significant impact on young Aidan's technique, particularly his bowing.

Since his debut album Be Off in 2016 and a second one in duet with John Daly, Aidan has moved to Valencia in Spain, which has influenced him greatly in terms of his inspiration. The Portland Bow, his second solo album, refers to a bow he was given in Portland on the east coast of the USA. His repertoire combines an eclectic mix of traditional Irish and Scottish tunes as well as several tunes learned in Spain.

Alongside Irish reels, waltzes and jigs, there are tunes from Scotland, In Memory of Herbie McLeod, Cape Breton, Whigs of Fife and Peggy's Mountain. Then there are mazurkas composed in Spain, Mazurka de Queiles, and a jota, El Guijar, a traditional Spanish dance. The album was recorded in Jack Talty's studio in Co. Clare, Aidan was assisted on piano by Talty and on Greek bouzouki by Ruairí McGorman.

Throughout the album Aidan's talent is palpable. Spontaneity, rich ornamentation and harmonic awareness are just some of the attributes that characterise this recording. A first-rate album by a musician who is no less so.

Raelach Records RR019 - www.raelachrecords.com