Fidil

After eight years without recording, they are back with a fourth album, Decade, which particularly highlights the artistic curiosity, personality and individuality of each member of the band. All three natives of Donegal, they once again draw in the rich tradition of a region where fiddle is king. Together, they are able to explore all the avenues open to a trio of fiddles. Their new album is the perfect expression of their creative development, which skillfully blends original compositions with the traditional Donegal repertoire, as our three friends have composed several of the twenty or so tunes they offer us here.

Thus Ciarán composed Na Farraigí Dearga in reference to the famous Biddy from Muckross who boasted of receiving his tunes from fairies and other korrigans and Árd na dTaibhsí in tribute to his grandfather Francie who passed on to him the love of fiddle. Damien wrote three mazurkas and highlands tunes while Aidan is the author of Blest Among Women, a suite of reels. On three tracks we hear the sound of a tin fiddle that Damien plays regularly.

The inventiveness of these fiddle virtuosos never fails throughout this album, which is full of reels, slip jigs, highlands, waltzes and mazurkas in a beautiful musical whirlwind. Special mention to the standard A Fig for a Kiss that allows us to appreciate the musical communion that unites these three brilliant performers. Also worthy of mention is the first track The Pinch of Snuff, which gives us the opportunity to listen to a fiddle technique specific to Donegal, the 'reversing', or playing by the octave. A beautiful album where brilliance and originality are the most appropriate words.

Raelach Records RR017 - www.raelachrecords.com