Various artists: "Hasta Siempre Comandante" (Tumi)

This collection is an idiosyncratic addition to the wave of nostalgia which followed the 30th anniversary of the death of Che Guevara towards the end of last year. Papa Fidel's 1965 reading of Che's last letter bookends the 13 musical tributes, which range in style from massed choir settings to joyous dance tunes to long-winded dirges. One of the side-effects of the ludicrous US embargo of Cuba has been the way music has been left in cold storage, stuck in a time warp that only recently has shown signs of ending. Leaving aside the predictable sentiments of the lyrics, these musicians offer much of great value in their revolutionary rhythms.

Joe Breen

Patrick Street: "Made in Cork" (GLCD 1184)

This group don't name-drop nor do they go to Africa and bring in pop stars, orchestras and synthesisers: they stick to good tunes and flawless, solid musicianship. Kevin Burke (fiddle) and Andy Irvine (vocals, harmonica, bazouki), Jackie Daly (accordion) and Ged Foley (guitar, vocals) are the quintessential Patrick Street with a new slant: a fluidly-brilliant Midnight Ramble slide set, with Daly in wonderful form on The Winding Stairs jig and sprightly, with Burke, on Where Lilies Bloom polkas. Irvine's voice may sound strained on Adam In Paradise, but trots effortlessly on Spanking Maggie and challenges superbly in a profound Ozark ballad, Rainbow 'Mid The Willows.

Fintan Vallely

Paul Bradley: "Atlantic Roar", PTI CD 1090 (Outlet)

Paul Bradley's first album avoids both self-consciousness and over-production: with well produced and maturely selected material, this topclass fiddler gives a terrific, intelligent balance of solo playing with both melodic and standard accompaniment. Key and style changes show off not only his talent and utter comfort with the instrument, but also his thorough understanding of the music he plays. Thus the air Cead Moladh Don Mhaighdean Bheannaithe is superbly done with concertina, The Old Bush set burbles along with John McSherry's pipes and Farewell To Connaught drawls romantically, tuned down to Martin Quinn's B-flat accordion. an), and so to thrilling conclusion on Donegal "highlands" and "bassing" reels

Fintan Vallely