Latest CD releases reviewed.

JIMMÍ Ó SÉ
Malairt Poirt Ó Fionntrá Cló Iar Chonnachta ***

Having languished in the undergrowth for 90 years - and basked in the antics of Na Caipíní, a posse of West Kerry mischief makers and renaissance men - Ventry's Jimmí Ó Sé has finally found his niche in the recording studio where he's unleashed a slew of fond recollections and magnificent polkas and slides, with a gamey eye cocked to posterity. His Corca Dhuibhne box style is always in pursuit of some elusive destination, yet poised for the unexpected twist in the tune: Port an tSaoir Cloiche is as pure a realisation of Yeats's conjuring of both dancer and dance as you'll encounter at a dancefloor's remove. His wood-burnt voice bequeaths an enviable gravitas to grand tales, including one recounting Lindbergh's aeronautical visit. For fleeting enjoyment and academic pursuit alike. www.cic.ie  Siobhán Long

SUSAN MCKEOWN
Blackthorn: Irish Love Songs World Village ***

Wide open space inhabited by a voice utterly at ease with itself, Susan McKeown's ninth solo album marks a further return to her roots. It's a trawl through the love song tradition in both Irish and English, and affords McKeown the ideal opportunity to push the envelope in both repertoire and tone. Bolstered by formidably precise sleeve notes, she tackles the caustically throwaway Bean Pháidín with the same minute attention as she does the almost-unrecognisable Cailín Ó Chois tSiúire Mé (rejuvenated as Caleno Custure Me as far back as the 16th century). With inventive use of Cormac Breatnach's low whistle, Eamon O'Leary's guitar and Robbie Harris's striated percussion, McKeown infuses haggard tunes with newfound vigour. A sleeper that reveals its charms slowly but ever so surely. www.susanmckeown.com  Siobhán Long