This week's Traditional releases reviewed

HOLLY GERAGHTY AND JONATHAN ROCHE

Ceolmhar Claddagh Records ***

A cool mix of restraint and easy companionship characterises this solid collection, which features the unlikeliest of duetting instruments: concertina and accordion. Tony MacMahon and Noel Hill forged a heady reputation for this instrument pairing long before Mayo concertina player and harpist Geraghty swapped a tune with Sliabh Luachra accordionist Roche. Ceolmhar is a fleet-footed collection of original tunes (from Geraghty) sitting cheek by jowl with traditional sets. The trio of reels bookended by the traditional Bill Harte’s, and Geraghty’s scintillatingly titled Dalgan Lebians, underscores the natural compatibility of old and new. Geraghty’s harp tunes are an unexpected joy as well, and linger restfully beside the more structured, reed-driven tunes. Accompaniment on guitar, piano and a handful of other instruments is equally unobtrusive and insightful. Regional accents speaking in surprising unison: an impressive debut. www.claddaghrecords.com