REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

HALEY RICHARDSON WITH DYLAN RICHARDSON - Heart On A String
JW Records

I tend to listen to review CDs before I read any background info, in order to keep a more open mind on what I’m about to hear. My initial thoughts on this album, from the very first note, was that I was listening to a very talented fiddle player with a light, sensitive touch and a real feeling for what she was playing. I was impressed. Then I read the notes and discovered she was 12 years old, although by the time this review comes out, she’ll be over the hill at 13! I am more than impressed.

It is often easy, and sometimes essential, to give some sort of leeway when assessing younger talent, but none is given, nor needed here, as Haley ranks right up there with the best. This is attested to by the shed-load of awards and prizes she has already won, the latest being the 2015 Junior Fiddler of Dooney at Sligo. She has been playing since the age of three and was a latecomer to Irish music, not taking it up till she was four.

Accompanied on this CD by big brother Dylan, Haley plays a good range of regional styles, but is particularly strong on the reels, including a couple of self-penned ones. However, a real test is always in the handling of the slow air. Listen to Haley’s rendition of Dear Irish Boy, however, and you will hear both a superb technical competence and a subtlety of playing which highlights the emotions of the tune.

So, youthful, more than competent, talented, respectful of her music and with an ear for great ornamentation, Haley is one to watch out for, as well as listen to. I predict a fantastic musical future for her, and would recommend this album unreservedly.

www.towheads.org

Gordon Potter