Three-piece traditional band Cran have been around for a long time but are only coming to prominence now, having just released an album on the Claddagh label. The musicians are Desi Wilkinson (flute and vocals), Ronan Browne (uilleann pipes, flute and vocals) and Sean Corcoran (bouzouki and vocals). Their repertoire divides fairly evenly between instrumental music and songs (often performed a capella), and at the Whelans concert they seemed more at home with the songs.

I found much of the instrumental work to be too tight and inflexible. Browne and Wilkinson are individually fine musicians; but, playing together, a sense of interplay and dialogue was often lacking.

Meanwhile, Corcoran's bouzouki accompaniments were excellent, but the bouzouki itself has such a harsh, steely sound that at times one longs for the comparative softness of a guitar instead. Hence, the ensemble work sounded at times taught and strained.

That said, there were some great instrumental moments - Ronan Browne's slow-air performances on the pipes, full of subtle bends and slides; an uncharacteristically relaxed two-flute version of The Pipeman's March and Lord Mayo; and Wilkinson's clever pairing of a Breton dance with a Romanian tune.

With the songs there were no disappointments - here Cran seemed to be totally assured and in control. Corcoran generally leads, and has an unassuming but highly effective style.

However, it was when the three voices blended that the music was best - the haunting hymn Seacht Suailci Na Maighdine Muire and the dazzling encore Willie Taylor.