Traditional Irish
septet
Danu
has undergone some changes since 2002's award-winning
All Things Considered
. Original guitar player
Donal Clancy
returned and, after three successful records, vocalist
Ciaran O Gealbhain
left to pursue the world of academics. His departure left newcomer
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh
to the arduous task of replacing a familiar voice and fronting an established band. Combining the deep soulfulness of
June Tabor
with the earthy phrasing of
Norma Waterson
, she punctuates
The Road Less Traveled
with grace and charm, adding depth to an already bottomless well of talent. Their beautiful cover of
Fairport Convention
's
"Farewell, Farewell"
echoes
Sandy Denny
without coming off as a carbon copy and the boisterous
"Fairy Reel"
begins like a light rain and then builds to a frenzy, utilizing violin double stops -- rare in
Celtic
music -- and the willowy bend of a uilleann pipe to great effect. Their authenticity is a strong asset, especially amongst the crowded sea of musicians currently storming the world's shores. There is a timeless locality to their music -- like a pub without a town.
has yet to succumb to the slick, crossover
-hybrid that permeates the post-
Riverdance
world, and, like a lighthouse, would do well to warn others of its empty, yet treacherous, waters. ~ James Christopher Monger