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The Living Tradition _________________ SOURCE Scottish CONTENT INSTRUMENTS
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| CONOR KEANE - "Oidhreacht" - Coore Records CKCD002 | ||||
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Of late the pattern for solo albums, it seems, has been for the featured artist to be accompanied by a dozen or so friends, inlaws and associates. "Oidhreacht" however, is a true solo recording from accordion player Conor Keane. Now I don't wish to infer that Conor Keane has no friends, inlaws or associates, indeed he has been heard in the sociable company of the likes of The Tulla Ceili Band, Shaskeen, Arcady and Four Men and a Dog. This time round the reels, jigs, hornpipes and polkas receive a change of aspect in their definition and interpretation.
Conor Keane plays two-row button accordion in the "older push and draw style". The instruments he plays are in the keys of C#/D or D/D# and this combined, his playing technique allows more scope for the left hand and the bass reeds to add weight and texture to the arrangements. The material is of an Irish nature and includes, "Joe Bane's Polkas", "Sporting Nell", "The Dublin Reel", "Larry O'Gaff", and "The Steampacket" and are played to be heard rather than for dancing to. The two slow airs,"Brid Og Ni Mhaille" and "Taimse im' Chodladh" are particularly pleasing. Both tunes finding a balance between rawness of passion and steady control. Peter Fairbairn |
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