I have no idea what Mick Flynn is saying when his vocals kick in midway through "Reels for the Mighty Mick Flynn," the opening track of the Ceili Bandits self-titled debut. I suspect he's not saying anything, just scatting and lilting his way through the music on instinct. And it flashes me back to McGann's Pub in Doolin, County Clare, where I saw Flynn do a similar trick along with a few members of the Bandits and other musicians at a lively pub session in September 2000. It was a cool effect then, particularly coupled with his unique style on the bodhran -- and I'm glad to have a sample of that energy reprised on the Ceili Bandits' first album.

Flynn is not a Bandit, and he appears on just that first track. But the rest of the band keeps the energy flowing with 10 more hopping tracks.

The Ceili Bandits are Eoin O'Neill on bouzouki, Kevin Griffin on banjo guitar, Yvonne Casey on fiddle and Mick Casey on vocals, guitar and bodhran. Besides Flynn, they're joined by guests Tess Purcell on vocals, Kevin Glynn on bass guitar and Danny Byrt on drums.

This album isn't quite as traditional or as polished as the band's follow-up, Hangin' at the Crossroads, yet it's still plenty enjoyable and reminiscent of a hopping pub jam. Vocal tracks ("St. Olav's Gate," "A Man You Don't Meet Everyday," "The Trip to Jerusalem") aren't bad, but I think the Bandits were wise to drop vocals from their second recording. They just don't add much to the album, serving mostly as a distraction from the excellent instrumental tracks.

Without a doubt, this album provides an ample dose of County Clare. I'd recommend this CD for the first track alone; the rest is a bonus.