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DANÚ
The Road Less Traveled
Shanachie SH 78057
Listening to Danú is like being at a top sessiun (proper spelling!) in Doolin (Irish music capital of the universe), only without the glut of Euro-tourists. And that's the best accolade I could give them, since at the heart of the band lies that spontaneity and sheer need to play that emanates from those musicians of Erin whose blood is spiked with the love of their country's traditional music.
Maybe it's that intuitive mentality that serves Danú's line-up mutations so well, creating ever-new incarnations without losing their identity. This time round, Muireann Nic Arnhlaoibh replaces Ciarán Ó Gealbháin as vocalist and extends the band's range with her rich contralto, while returning guitarist Dónal Clancy brings his vast experience (from long years accompanying father Liam) of beautiful song arrangement. Add the wonderfully fluid button box of Benny McCarthy, the flute and bouzouki of Tom and Éamon Doorley, Oisín McAuley's fiddle and the piping and bodhran of Donnchadh Gough and you have a cast list that ensures Danú remain in the top league of The Real Thing in Irish music.
So sit back and enjoy five songs and seven tune sets all exuding the Danú trademark - sensitive, subtle and clean arrangements - in a perfectly-paced album ranging from tripping polkas to strong, spaciously-accompanied songs. Muireann fits like a glove, singing in English (Tommy Sands' Co. Down, an old-timey North American song, a lovely version of Farewell, Farewell) or her native Gaelic (Ráitachas na Tairngreacht in particular enhanced by Clancy's emotive guitar). Tune-wise, every set's a delight, though a gorgeous flute-led version of Paddy Moloney's Garech's Wedding is a personal fave. Irish music doesn't come any better.
Mel McClellan - October 2003
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Folk & Acoustic
