Reviews & Comments
ADRIAN McAULIFFE AND
CATHAL FLOOD
Between The Strings
Twelve Tracks - Own Label AMCF01
www.adrianandcathalmusic.com
You would be inclined to think on listening that this is an Adrian McAuliffe offering with a Cathal Flood accompaniment. Listen again. The beauty of this pair’s debut Between the Strings is that both musicians own the melody in their own right and intersperse amongst the phrasing with a fluidity that enhances the main tune with a subtle ease.
McAuliffe meanders through tracks such as Lucy Campbell’s and Berehaven with a laidback finesse that attributes importance to the tune rather than the performance; a clever way of demanding attention to the tune rather than forcing the melody on the listener. He changes tack later and asserts energy into The Meelick Team Jig which paves the way for the Tommy Peoples penned Grainne.
Flood makes his mark with my personal highlight Séan O Duibhir an Ghleanna. The timing, phrasing and delicacy as he lets the emotion seep through the strings on this track tells a story within itself. The addition of The Boys of Blue Hill to the tapering finish of the air detracts from the whimsical ambience but not to the extent that it spoils it completely. Flood’s sensitivity draws you in to the jigs The Blackthorn Stick and Joe Derranes then the acceleration increases as both instruments drive into The Cottage in the Glen set where the strings take on an assured stance.
With pianist Aileen Dillane adding to a sample of tracks and DJ Curtin combining his box with the strings on the rousing slides of The Dirty Trettles set there is enough here to absorb and enjoy.
The pairing of McAuliffe and Flood is solid and Between the Strings cements a kinship on strings that aims to please.
Eileen McCabe
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There is a quote in the album notes to the effect that when Adrian and Cathal met as younger men in Cork "they didn't speak much, just started playing, tentatively tiptoeing around each other" If their music was at this level back then, words were not required. Recording any traditional album these days is quite a challenge. Combining the goals of presenting it in a way that is appealing to the listener, innovating and showing due respect to the tradition presents competing requirements. As a musician you need to be able to add enough interest and variety along the way to keep the listener engaged. This is the key to an album's success and in this regard Adrian and Cathal have risen to the challenge and have succeeded.
They have managed to lay it out in a way that constantly keeps the listener engaged. Through design, or not, the album flows extremely well. From the opening they draw you in with two beautiful sets, the first being The Maid in the Meadow / The Wandering Minstrel followed by a set of reels. Then the pace changes and Cathal shows a much lighter touch with a beautiful slow air called Séan O Duibhir an Ghleanna. From this point they build to a lively set of slides with the added injection of accordion by DJ Curtin. This marks the quarter way of the album and like a good concert it has built to this high point before dropping away for a few sets and then building again.
It's the little touches that add to the album, the fade out, the way the piano lingers a little longer than you would expect, as on The Berehaven, the impetus given by the accordion and piano when the album requires it. O' Carolan's Concerto on banjo. You wouldn't think that would work but it does, very well indeed.
As a result the album is constantly engaging with twists and turns, and points of interest all throughout its 12 tracks. They take the concept of the banjo album into new territory and make it mainstream and engaging. Cathal Flood's playing is integral to achieving this sound. His altering styles, delicate airs and understated polkas shows a versatility that makes this a duo in its truest sense. Tune selection includes old standards like Lucy Campbell that are masterfully handled with the addition of piano. They close out the album with another fine set of reels, Maids of Mitchelstown and Martin Wynnes No 4.This is an album that will stand the test of time.
Tony Lawless
tradconnect.com
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They've recorded 12 Sets with traditional and original tunes from Ireland and Scotland and it starts off with "The Maid in the Meadow/The wandering Minstrel", two traditional jigs performed on banjo and guitar. Adrian takes the lead and Cathal adds his fine guitar rhythm. The following up-beat reels "Marion Egan's/Darby's Farewell to London" include Aileen's piano accompaniment. Then Cathal plays the hauntingly beautiful air "Séan O'Duibhir an Ghleanna" solo and Adrian combines it with the intoxicating banjo hornpipe "The Boys of Blue Hill". DJ joins in on the brilliant slides set "The dirty Trettles/The Rathawaun/Merrily kissed the Quaker", driving guitar and banjo rhythm accompany his virtuoso playing. "The Subulter Set" includes three traditional Irish polkas in an incredible pace played on bodhràn, bouzouki, box and banjo and they finish up in a moderate rhythm with the lovely reel set "Maid of Mitchelstown/Martin Wynnes No 4".
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup
“Adrian and Cathal, both natives of Co Cork, have come together to produce an excellent album of traditional Irish music on tenor banjo and guitar. They have a natural, honest playing style that is full of vibrancy, drive and swing.
Guest musicians on the album are Aileen Dillane on piano and DJ Curtin on box, two great musicians from Co Limerick who add another special dimension to the recording.
Private Label AMCF01