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Gráda music Gráda1
Produced by Trevor Hutchinson of Lúnasa and Waterboys fame, this CD is an uplifting showcase for a band that has caused enough of a stir at home in Ireland to warrant their first UK appearance to be at this year's Cambridge Folk Festival.
The CD opens with the completely catchy Cathain, all funky driving rhythms and captivating harmonies. Anne Marie O'Malley has a warm, mischievous singing style with a fine mature voice which belies her young years by the look of the photo on the sleeve. It continues with some clever arrangements on the instrumental Pint of Reference that are at the same time simple enough to keep the tune at the forefront. The musicianship is excellent throughout and their style has influences not only of Lúnasa but also of Flook and Deiseal, all three being groups that have taken Irish music into a different sphere.
With songs in both English and Irish Gaelic and an instrument line-up that includes the flutes and whistles of Alan Doherty, guitars and bouzouki of Gerry Paul, fiddle and viola of Brendan O'Sullivan along with the vocals and bodhran of Anne Marie all underpinned by the sexy bass notes of Andrew Laking, this is a young band to watch out for and a CD that will be a great summer soundtrack.
Kit Bailey - April 2003
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Folk & Acoustic
