RÉALTA

The five members of this sympathetic band, who have been steeped in the music of Planxty and Bothy Band, are worthy successors. On this superb album, they have captured every aspect of the tradition, adding a very personal touch.

The album kicks off with power and energy with Skidoo, a reel composed in the 80s by guitarist Steve Cooney for the film Beyond The North Wind. The song was a huge hit when it was covered by Stockton's Wing.
Then we are treated to the famous ballad The Wind That Shakes The Barley, on which Dervish singer Cathy Jordan gives us a glimpse of her lovely voice.
A slight change in the band since their last album is the replacement of piper Aaron O'Hagan by Breton Loïc Bléjean, also a uilleann piper. This makes Réalta even more original, as they are surely one of the few Irish bands to combine two uilleann pipes with other instruments.
While Conor Lamb and Loïc Bléjean let the melodies unfold to the whim of their uilleann pipes and whistles, their little friends Deirdre Galway on guitar, Dermot Mulholland on bouzouki and banjo and Dermot Moynagh on bodhrán and percussion, give the melodies an energetic rhythm.
Alongside the instrumentals, we hear the voices of Deirdre and Dermot.
The album also features a guest appearance from singer and guitarist Myles McCormack, who sings a number of fine songs, including Thing Of The Earth, which gives the album its title, and a poignant cover of Bob Dylan's cult song The Times They Are A Changin'. Not forgetting the many instrumentals, traditional or more recent compositions by Liz Carroll or Deirdre Galway.
Since their beginnings, the members of Réalta have remained faithful to what has made them such a success, a skilful blend of traditional songs arranged by musicians who have shown great maturity. A dynamic and exciting band.

Autoproduit – www.realtamusic.com