ROGHA RAELACH

Excellent artists have collaborated with this small label, from Tony MacMahon and Steve Cooney to Noel Hill, Fidil, Cormac Begley and Damien O'Reilly. Last year, with album releases on hold, Jack Talty came up with the idea of producing an album with several guest artists, Rogha Raelach.

The Irish word Rogha means 'selection' or 'choice', as would be appropriate for a compilation album. But this is anything but a compilation, as only four of the seventeen participating artists had previously recorded for the label.
We find the Martin Hayes Quartet formed by Martin on fiddle, Denis Cahill on guitar, Liz Knowles on fiddle and Doug Wieselman on bass clarinet. Cork singer Nell Ní Chróinín, concertina player Noel Hill, piper Pádraic Keane (TG4 Young Musician of the Year 2011), singer Saileog Ní Cheannabháin, accordionist Derek Hickey and bouzouki player Macdara Ó Faoláin all perform with talent. The Drunken Sailor, brilliantly performed on the fiddle by Aoife Ní Bhriain, is recognisable. Also brothers Sean and Michael Gavin, flute and bouzouki duo, Geraldine Cotter on piano, Síle Denvir on vocals and Bobby Gardiner on melodeon. And of course Jack Talty himself on two tracks.
Reflecting the label's aesthetic, this album is an eclectic mix of traditional songs. Without focusing on certain clichés, it honours both traditional music and singing, but leaves room for some experimental research deeply rooted in the Irish tradition.
An original album to be discovered without further delay.

Raelach Records RR018 - www.raelachrecords.com