The latest CD release reviewed

EDEL FOX AND RONAN O'FLAHERTY
Edel Fox And Ronan O'Flaherty no label ***

2004's TG4 Young Traditional Musician of the Year, Clare concertina player Edel Fox knows how to get the best from her small but perfectly formed instrument. Her sparring partner on their debut, Galway fiddler Ronan O'Flaherty, shares her uncluttered style, reminiscent of Noel Hill and Tony Linnane in their heyday. With Michael McCague on bouzouki, they create a sound that envelops a vast repertoire without smothering it. Fox's throaty style excels on the hop jig and reel set, Boys of Ballyosadare, and the pair make hay while the sun shines on the final reel set headlined by The Fisherman's Lilt. A smidgin more solo concertina wouldn't have gone astray, but that aside this is a fine debut, revealing musicians fully conversant with the subtlety of every tune. www.edelandronan.com