REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

MICK, LOUISE AND MICHELLE MULCAHY - Reelin’ in Tradition
Clo Iar-Chonnachta CICD 180

I remember hearing Mick Mulcahy’s first solo recording, which was made back in 1976, and remarking to myself what a fine button accordion and melodeon player that he was.  Whatever else he’s been getting up to in the intervening years, part of that has involved bringing up two daughters, Louise, who plays flute and uillean pipes, and Michelle, whose instruments are concertina, fiddle, piano and harp.

Sometimes, the concept of a “family band” can be quite terrifying, as there can be a lot of enthusiasm without an excess of talent - relax, dear reader, because this is a trio who latch onto the real positive side of that concept, which is an innate understanding of each others’ playing and an ability to put translate that understanding into wonderful, flowing music. 

With the guest musicians Tommy Hayes on bodhran and bones, and Cyril O’Donoghue on bouzouki, there is plenty of scope for varying the instrumental line-ups, and there is a mixture of solo, duet, trio and ensemble playing, thus allowing scope for everyone’s abilities to be properly featured.

The playing throughout is as tight as you could get, but still flexible enough to make it all sound like they were having great fun and thoroughly enjoying themselves when they made the recording – there’s even some Clare dancers joining in with the final set of reels, which was recorded live, and rounds things off perfectly.

Once again, the recording team at Clo Iar-Chonnachta have proved their worth in knowing exactly how to mix for maximum effect, producing a CD that is a delight from start to finish.

Gordon Potter