albums don't come along every day, or even every year. The musicians are certainly the cream of the crop, with a long pedigree between them, as well as great skill and knowledge of the tradition. They're at their best on the tunes, if only because , for all that he's been around, isn't the world's greatest Irish singer. That said, he does a fair job on and especially the lovely a piece that deserves to be better known. The vast majority of the music is from the deep tradition, plus one each by and , and the playing, as should be expected, is majestic throughout. The band gives a stately quality to Irish music, rather than the raucous session-type feel injected by so many groups, and with it comes a strong dignity. Former member guests on sets of and reels, his accordion adding some bottom end to the sound. As always, this album is worth the wait. ~ Chris Nickson