Usually supergroups emerge as established stars combine to release an album. The Outside Track takes a different tack. These musicians from Vancouver, Derbyshire, Edinburgh, Mayo and the Highlands of Scotland got together at the Irish World Academy of Music & Dance in 2005, and on this album they present us with an accomplished piece of work redolent of their musical education allied to a true love of the genre. Drawing on a repertoire that combines old and new, Irish and other, folk and more, they present 14 tracks of musical treasure.

From the opening instrumental set they move on to Karine Polwart"s "Thaney." Fiona Black, of the band, composed the wonderfully titled tune, "Sheila"s One-Legged Spectacles." "Cailin Rua" is a lovely song recalling the hedge schools of old Ireland. With great dexterity they combine a tune called "The Hole in the Hedge" with the great song, "Kiss in the Morning Early."

This album will be a revelation to many, not just for the expertise of the band members but also in the outstanding choice and variety of music on offer.

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