PATRICK STREET
On The Fly

LM002

63447960247
Loftus Music
Irlanda

 

ON THE FLY is the new album from celebrated traditional Irish band PATRICK STREET, on Loftus Music. Now in their third decade, Patrick Street are considered "the Irish supergroup" with musical heritages dating straight back to The Bothy Band, Planxty and De Dannan. The new CD indicates the opening of an exciting new chapter for the group, as well as a change in one of its longest-running line-ups. Renowned accordion player and founding member Jackie Daly has decided to step down from the "Street," and leaves us with some dynamic playing on the album. Meanwhile, respected multi-instrumentalist and newest member John Carty makes his Patrick Street recording debut.

On the Fly is the band's eleventh release and perhaps the most profoundly traditional, with many of the tunes rooted in the rural music of County Sligo. Both John Carty and Kevin Burke spent their early years there, soaking up music that the wider world learned mainly from recordings. Now considered two of the finest fiddlers of their generations, they team up here for some thrilling sets of tunes. John's imaginative phrasing and Kevin's silky tone joyfully portray the rhythmic ebb and flow of the swift, rolling Sligo music on which they were raised.

Carty and Burke each contribute an original tune as well: Kevin's airy hornpipe "The Long Acre" and John's haunting piece "Seanamhac Tube Station." And John's banjo and flute playing is a welcome addition, greatly broadening the group's range of sound.

Andy Irvine has been with Patrick Street since the group formed 22 years ago. Well established as one of Irish music's leading singers, his compelling canon of material draws across time and borders. For On the Fly, Andy also chooses traditional songs: the powerful Scottish "Erin go Bragh," "The Rich Irish Lady" learned from his early influence Peggy Seeger, and "Sergeant Small," an Australian song of migrant workers which mirrors the American experience. The quality of Andy's singing, his virtuoso playing on bouzouki and mandolin, and the unique arrangements combine for some his best performances in years.

On the Fly features Ged Foley's typically excellent guitar work. He also contributes a striking new interpretation of the well-known Irish song "The Galway Shawl," and adds his skills in arranging and producing. Jackie Daly offers his 'farewell' to the group with a set of polkas - a hallmark of his Patrick Street legacy - and a set of reels, both prominently featuring his distinctive accordion style.

On the Fly not only captures successfully Patrick Street's transitions but heralds another exciting new direction for the band.