It's an interesting combination of musicians that make up the aptly-named . A couple of Irishmen who are lauded veterans of the music scene, an American fiddler/guitarist with a background in old-time music, a Dutch guitar player, and a Hungarian multi-instrumentalist. Together they range across music, Hungarian dances and songs, and all manner of American music. A studio album from this crowd would have been interesting, but this live album is far more convincing. The recording is so pristine that at first you have to question if it's really live (it is), and the musicianship so precise and developed that it seems impossible that they could only have been playing together for a month when this was made -- it's also a testament to the prowess all those involved. While singer and bouzouki player might act as a fulcrum by virtue of his singing (and he's superb on and on his signature song ), there's really a shifting center to the band, depending on the material. So is front and center for the medley of and takes the spotlight on for example. About the only one to stay in the background is , who's always favored that position anyway, but his contributions are always incisive and effective -- and he's still a remarkable player, as his work on shows. These cross-cultural pollinations might seem unlikely, but they work here, without effort, the music gliding by as a joyous whole. It's difficult not to be in awe of what they do here; it's simply so good and so natural. As a debut it's going to be hard to beat; but at the same time, it's impossible to wish for more -- and soon. ~ Chris Nickson