DUAL is the joyful collaboration of experienced Scottish and Irish folk musicians celebrating the soby Zothique
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October 06, 2009:
It is reported that at the Tonder Folk Festival in Denmark, circa 2004, members of the traditional Scottish folk band Dochas and members of the traditional Irish folk band Danu met at one of the acoustic jam sessions that tend to occur at such events. This meeting resulted in (1) an ongoing musical and personal relationship among some of the band members, (2) a Scottish/Irish quartet that regularly tours the U.K. when the primary bands are not busy recording or touring, and (3) this excellent album of inviting songs and tunes drawn from the deep traditions of both Celtic lands.
All of the songs are sung in the Gaelic language, with Julie Fowlis (of Dochas) working the upper register and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh (of Danu) covering the contralto range. Together they provide delightful harmonies. The musicians also get a chance to extend themselves a bit. For example, Eamon Doorley plays fiddle in addition to his usual bouzouki, while flute and whistle ace Nic Amhlaoibh also plays some keyboards.
The tasteful selections are heavily weighted toward songs (versus instrumental tunes). Current favorites include "Beauty Deas An Oileain," "A Riogain Uasail," and "An Coisir," and others continue to grow on me with each listen. Helpful liner notes are provided in Gaelic and English.
The recording quality is suitably intimate and inviting. Listening to the album is like spending a magical evening in the well-designed music room of some exceptionally talented musician-friends who love playing together. You may never want to leave.
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