If a listener approaches
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh
's new album expecting to hear
traditional
interpretations of
Celtic folk
songs, he or she will probably be disappointed. If, on the other hand, a listener approaches
Daybreak: Fainne an Lae
as
contemporary folk
that borrows a thing or two from tradition, he or she will find it quite enjoyable. Part of the problem in how to interpret her music is that even her name,
, hints at tradition, as does the album's title. And it doesn't help that she sings a number of old
folk
songs in her native tongue, again hinting at a commitment to traditionalism. But whatever language
Amhlaoibh
sings, and whether the songs come from ancient sources or
Richard Thompson
, the songs that grace
Daybreak
are easygoing and gentle
in the style of
Kate Rusby
(not
Anne Briggs
). The opener,
"Western Highway,"
for instance, would be perfectly at home on a number of
NPR
programs.
allows
to take center stage and, along with her pleasing vocals, show off her prowess on both the flute and whistle. Fans of her previous work with
Danu
will welcome her debut on
Compass
. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.