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TONY MACMAHON, NOEL HILL, IARLA Ó LIONÁIRD - Aislingí Ceoli – Music Of Dreams

TONY MACMAHON, NOEL HILL, IARLA Ó LIONÁIRD - Aislingí Ceoli – Music Of Dreams
Gael Linn CEFCD164

Back in 1985, Noel Hill and Tony MacMahon recorded the album I gCnoc na Grai (In Knocknagree), remarkable for its raw live energy and excitement. Aislingí Ceoli – Music Of Dreams, recorded in 1993 and only now released on CD, is a worthy successor.

In this atmospheric live recording, Hill and MacMahon are joined by sean-nós singer Iarla Ó Lionáird and 8 set dancers provide unique rhythmic accompaniment.

What makes this so special is that the tunes are played to be danced to - not simply listened to by a static concert audience. In contrast, Ó Lionáird’s beautifully soft songs are accompanied by John Gibson, playing piano parts arranged by Peader Ó Riada.

These are legendary traditional musicians. Inspired by the late Joe Cooley, MacMahon has himself gone on to inspire a new generation of button accordion players. Hill is unquestionably the master of the Irish concertina, while Ó Lionáird has pioneered the renewal of sean-nós.

If ever a recording could capture the sheer enjoyment of performing Irish music and dance then this is it!

Keith Whiddon

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This album was reviewed in Issue 93 of The Living Tradition magazine.