Johnny Connolly's latest album, An Mileoidean Scaoilte, is one I would highly recommend for dancers or musicians who would like to learn more tunes. It is strictly traditional in that there are no fancy arrangements. Many of the tunes are recognizable, and the farthest Connolly went with arranging the tunes was to put some together so that they work with set dances. Even the newly composed tunes sound very traditional. It is great for people who want to learn them.

This album portrays Connolly's talents on the melodeon very well. His playing is very controlled and his tempos are extremely steady. As the CD insert says, "only one row of buttons, diatonic music requires particular skill." That being the case, Connolly is definitely a master of his instrument.

Charlie Lennon also appears on this album, both on piano and fiddle. To add more to the sound, Seosamh O'Neachtain does a bit of sean nos dancing on one track.

I only have one complaint, and it is not about the album itself. Although the CD insert is very informative, it is extremely hard to read the English because of the color of ink. If you understand Gaelic, you'll be fine, but if you speak English, good luck.

What I was able to make out was that the title means "A Melodeon Unlocked." In listening to this album, I can say that Connolly has definitely accomplished that. His playing sounds very free and easy, and he is someone that other melodeon players should listen to and learn from.

- Rambles
written by Kaitlin Hahn
published 23 July 2005