This "traditional and very energetic" trio of talented musicians specializes in rendering Scots-Irish traditional and Celtic eclectic music. The group consists of Tom Knapp (band founder, on fiddle, bodhran, backing vocals and assorted revelry), Rod Nevin (on Scottish smallpipes, whistles, ukulele and vocals) and Amanda Wells (on vocals and guitar). The musicians are based in Lancaster, York and Berks counties, Pennsylvania.

I don't usually listen to this kind of merriment. But why not shake up my routine a bit?

These 16 selections offer a nice mix of traditional tunes, snappy instrumentals and musical humor. Our toes are set to tapping with the opener, "Whup Jamboree." Amanda sings the verses, and everyone else joins in on the robust chorus. We soon learn that any song featuring Amanda stands out, as her clear soprano tone serves to cut over and through the bracken (!), in a nice way. Listen for her again on "Big Strong Man," "Susquehanna Pirate," "Red-Haired Mary" and "Leaving of Liverpool," which is a great sing-along song.

Meanwhile, Rod relates to us the crazy stories of "Donald, Where's Your Troosers" and "From Amish to Irish." He can even master "Tha Mi Sgith" in Gaelic.

Tom's fiddle takes the stage for three traditional instrumental combinations, scattered throughout the album.

The trio illustrates its versatility by approaching "Excursion Round the Bay" in chanting a cappella fashion. The album ends with "Drunken Sailor," which will no doubt stick in your head for the rest of the evening. If you think you know the song, you may be surprised to hear how Fire in the Glen presents its version of it.

This threesome seems to work well together. Each member contributes an accomplished voice and instrumental craftsmanship. But they also don't take themselves too seriously on themes and lyrics. Their ability to translate local Pennsylvania culture and geography into Irish/Gaelic form is courtesy of Tom Knapp's lyrics. Listen again to "Susquehanna Pirate" and "From Amish to Irish." The first time I heard the latter, I had to stop the CD twice because I was laughing too hard. I regret that I didn't catch these folks in person when I lived in the area. They obviously have fun whenever they perform together.

In full disclosure: I once grabbed my own guitar and joined a musical living room jam with Tom. We come from the same place and from similar backgrounds. He's also been my review editor since 2006. While I have long known of Tom's commitment to making music -- and especially, this kind of music -- I hadn't made a conscious effort to listen to it with any deliberation. I'm glad that I finally did. And in Amanda and Rod, Tom has found worthy mates to help the group create good entertainment.

Fire in the Glen DOES shake up one's routine a bit with its latest album, Cutting Bracken. Pop this one into the CD player, and you may find yourself doing a bit of dancing around the living room. Or finishing those household tasks in record time. Of course, it's a no-brainer to play it whenever St. Patrick's Day comes around, if you wear the green yourself. And if you're from southeastern Pennsylvania, like we are, be ready to laugh when the local references show up. Arrgh!

[ visit Fire in the Glen's website ]