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JOE HOLMES WITH LEN GRAHAM - Here I Am Amongst You -Traditional Irish Songs, Lilts And Fiddle Tunes

JOE HOLMES WITH LEN GRAHAM
Here I Am Amongst You -Traditional Irish Songs, Lilts And Fiddle Tunes
Cranagh Music CMCD4454  

This album is free-standing; however it also serves as an obvious complement to the new book of the same name.
 
What is conveyed and demonstrated in these fourteen tracks is Joe`s sense of delight in the music, both in his spirited fiddle playing and in his clear, measured song delivery.  This delight is epitomised in The Girl that Broke my Heart, lilted with his friend and singing mate, Len Graham.  Unison singing is a common feature of the Northern Irish song tradition and this is highlighted on four tracks with Len, including Rambling Irishman and the equally captivating Rambling Boys Of Pleasure; terrific stuff.  Joe gives great voice to the mildly bawdy, Tumbling Through The Hay, a distinctive version of The Dark Eyed Gypsy (Child200) and a unique version of The Grey Cock (Child 248) titled True Lover John.  I cannot fail to mention Joe`s rendering of My Charming Blue Eyed Mary, punctuated, but in no way diminished, by the chimes of his wag-at-the-wall kitchen clock. This quality album, celebrating a fine song and tune carrier, combines charm and high musicality.  Len described Joe as a "joyful singer".  This joy is captured here.   
www.storyandsong.com

Geordie McIntyre 

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This album was reviewed in Issue 86 of The Living Tradition magazine.