For a commercial traditional band who, in a live context, play it straight enough through excellent instrumentation and non-existent stage presence, The Chieftains' records are star-studded affairs. In the past, they have collaborated with the likes of Roger Daltrey, Ricky Skaggs, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison and The Rolling Stones. Their latest album, Tears Of Stone, sees Paddy Moloney team up with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, The Corrs and Mary Chapin-Carpenter.
It might not work as an album, but as a marketing idea it's brilliant. That aside, when The Chieftains get into their stride they mostly soar ahead of their colleagues and contemporaries.
