PATRICK MANGAN AND FRIENDS

Indeed, I introduced him to you in Trad Magazine almost 20 years ago, on the occasion of the release of his first album. A prodigy musician, winner of the Irish Championship at the age of 9, then a Riverdance soloist at only 16, Patrick is a native of Brooklyn.

After his first album in 2003, he only released another in 2015. And it wasn't until 2020 that he got around to a third opus. In the meantime, of course, he has been touring with the Riverdance troupe for over a decade and teaching fiddle in New York. Taking advantage of the lockdowns, he called on nine musicians of his acquaintance, from both sides of the Atlantic, to record, each in their own corner, the magnificent winter-themed album The Frost Is All Over.

The album's ten tracks feature guitarist and vocalist Seamie O'Dowd on The Snows They Melt The Soonest. Declan Masterson, Irish multi-instrumentalist, on Christmas Eve or Is The Big Man Within, a track already played by the band Altan. Or John Whelan and his accordion on two famous T. O'Carolan tunes, Eleanor Plunkett and Princess Royal.

Although the majority of the songs are traditional Irish, P. Mangan signs Tune For Joe and Johanna's Jig. Quite original is the presence of Wachet Auf, a classical piece by J.S. Bach on which Patrick is joined by Nate Lueck on mandolin and Peter Sachon on cello, reminding us that he started out on the classical violin. Also worth mentioning is Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming on which singer Julia LiBassi lays down a delicate voice over fresh harmonies and a majestic but discreet instrumental accompaniment.

This is an absolutely charming album on which P. Mangan gives the full measure of his talent, concluding the CD with ardour and energy. Of course the winter theme is not really in season, but let yourself be won over by her perfect harmonies.

Autoproduit - www.patrickmangan.com