WITHIN A MILE OF KILTY  2

Kilty, or rather Kiltyclogher, is a tiny village in the small Co. Leitrim with a population of only 150. But it is the birthplace of many famous musicians. Indeed, from this small border village, a unique group of musicians has emerged over the last eighty years.

The first album in 2005 featured six musicians: John Gordon, Brian Rooney, Séamus Quinn, Ben Lennon, his brother Charlie and his son Maurice, this time they are joined by Ben's second son, Brian Lennon.

The styles presented on this second volume are as varied as if the seven musicians had come from all over Ireland. Yet there is a common thread in their playing, even though the musicians in question were born between 1920 and 1960, that of the Leitrim tradition.

On the first CD, only one of the musicians, John Gordon, had died a few years earlier. This time, sadly, a second musician has joined him in the Tír na nÓg, Ben Lennon, who died two years ago.

This excellent opus includes twenty archival recordings spanning from 1956 to 2020. From the very first track you will have the pleasure of recognising, under the title Stick Across the Hob, the famous Debhair an Rinceoir popularised by Alan Stivell on his album "Live in Dublin". Jigs, reels, hornpipes and polkas follow, many of them very well known. Ben Lennon is present here on two tracks recorded at home with his brother Charlie in the early 60s, the sound of which attests, and another dating from the 70s.

Alongside these musicians are a few others who have come to lend a hand: Brian McGrath, Anthony Gordon and Paul Gurney on piano, Chris Dawson on bouzouki, Ciara Brennan on nyckelharpe, and Garry O'Briain on guitar.

The playing of these virtuosos is impeccable from track to track, reflecting the Leitrim's approach to music. This second album is simply brilliant, exceptional. A must for Irish music lovers.

Cló Iar-Chonnacht CICD 209 - www.cic.ie