Don't be put off by the tongue in cheek title; 'Paddy Goes To Huddersfield' was recorded to accompany these two stalwarts' March 2001 tour of Germany as part of the St.Patrick's Day Celebration Festival. The idea was to perform accessible music and to include some old favourites that are not performed as often as they should be, paradoxically because they are old favourites. On this level the CD works very well. The tunes are played in a straightforward but enthusiastic manner. The songs are well sung by Alistair with uncomplicated but appropriate accompaniment. It is easy to imagine the audience at the concerts enjoying the live performance and no doubt joining in. The inclusion of some modern items, may be less well known, such as 'Port Of Call' by Kieran Halpin, Chris's 'Paddy Durkin's' and Alistair's 'From Here To There' along with 'As I Roved Out', 'The Curragh Of Kildare' etc in no way detracts from the overall feeling and concept of the album. I did, however, wonder what German audiences would make of Victor Sylvester's 'Golden Tango', if it was included in the live set, but it is great fun so I am sure they enjoyed it. I found the approach Alistair and Chris take to the performance of their material on 'Paddy Goes To Huddersfield' refreshing. It is good to hear some of the old favourites, and the newer items played well but in this straightforward way. Overall a very enjoyable CD.

Danny Saunders