Latest CD releases reviewed

TIM COLLINS
Dancing On Silver Croisín Music
****

For some, the concertina is an acquired taste, its distinctive reedy sound challenging eardrums to stretch further than many other instruments. Sliabh Luachra native and Kilfenora Céilí Band stalwart Tim Collins trades neither on his birthplace nor on his rich store of tunes. From the lithe opening set of jigs, Kit O'Mahony's/Páidín Ó Raifearta/Neary's, he displays a clarity of tone and purity of execution that'd knock the socks off the stealthiest of players. His self-composed tribute to Daithín Davy Lenihan, The H Note, slips effortlessly in behind a set of slides that includes a fine reading of Dan Curtin's and Bridgie Con Matts. Seán Ryan's Bill McEvoy's No. 1 is further evidence of a musician en route to greatness. A magnificent solo début. www.timcollins-concertina.com Siobhán Long

KEVIN KEEGAN
The Music Of Kevin Keegan Cló Iar Chonnachta
****

This collection is a glorious act of faith, the courage of its convictions evident in every jig, reel, hornpipe, long dance and waltz tucked into this 23-track compendium. Galwegian box player Kevin Keegan spent much of his life in San Francisco, but his roots were always evident. Although far from fulfilling the usual pristine standards of CD production, (many of the tunes were donated by friends on cassette and reel-to-reel tapes), Keegan's essence is everywhere on the fiery hornpipe, The High Level, and on the Clan March, Battle Of Aughrim. Fellow Galwegian accordionist Joe Burke celebrates Keegan's seminal influence in sleeve notes that tell of a life well lived, and a music well loved and nurtured. An undertaking of divine madness.  www.cic.ie Siobhán Long