I remember when I used to rub elbows with some members of Across the Pond at traditional Irish seisiuns scattered through the south-central Pennsylvania area -- back before they or I were in bands of our own. Once we started playing for pay (or was it the free beer?) and the screaming adulation of our fans, our circles intersected only infrequently.

But they're still out there, performing quite often from what I can tell. Their 2014 recording, Kid on the Mountain, is a good taste of the band's polished musical style.

Across the Pond is Michael Morrison on guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass, flute, bones and vocals, Chuck Krepley on fiddle, and Dan Diviney on whistles, bodhran and vocals. Guests on the album are Marilyn Dolly, who sings on two tracks, and Chris Davis, who adds backing vocals and an extra whistle.

The band's strengths shine the brightest of the instrumental tracks. The musicians have arranged most of the pieces aptly to spotlight each instrument in its turn. They're fun reminders of that seisiun sound, and a nice addition to my collection.

[ visit Across the Pond's website ]