Sliabh Luachra, in southwestern Ireland, overlaps sections of counties Cork, Kerry and Limerick, and is an area rich in its own traditions and music. The region is particularly noted for its distinctive dances and tunes, particularly its polkas and slides. So what better way to start this, the third album by fiddler Matt Cranitch, accordion player Donal Murphy and singer/guitarist Timmy O'Sullivan, than with an example of each.

The opening one-two-three-hop of the "Paddy Scanlon's Polka" set leaves you in no doubt: this is perfect music to dance to. And here are three musicians completely in tune with each other, who appear to sound both well-rehearsed yet loose and relaxed at the same time. Fiddle and accordion are perfect foils for each other as they glide through the tune in near unison, while the guitar creates a rhythmic accompaniment accenting the beat while adding a counterpoint in chords.

More polkas follow later in the album, along with two sets of slides, three sets of reels, a hornpipe, jigs and an air, as well as three songs. Although fine musicians themselves, Cranitch, Murphy and O'Sullivan introduce a number of guests who add their own distinctive touches to the overall sound: fiddler Kevin Burke, guitarist Steve Cooney (who also helped on production), the Chieftains' Matt Molloy on flute, Colm Murphy of De Dannan fame on bodhran, Liam O Maonlai of the Hothouse Flowers on piano and Brian McGrath, one of the finest keyboard players currently on the scene.

As well as being a strong accompanist on guitar, O'Sullivan is a wonderful singer. His soft, emotional tenor vocals create a spine-shivering effect as he sings about a lost love, emigration and life at sea. I look forward to the time he releases an album of his singing.

Sandwiched between the polka sets that open and close the album (the final starting with the "Blackwater Polka," a river with its source in Sliabh Luachra and which provides the album with its title) are another 11 tracks, a wide selection of known and lesser-heard tunes and songs. But each is played with the melodic drive of the Sliabh Luachra style: this is not only good dance music, it's also designed for listening to.

Their debut album was a great introduction to the style and the trio. The follow-up is a confirmation of their talent and appeal. This album goes a step further as it delves deeper into Sliabh Luachra, the style, and Sliabh Notes, the band. These three musicians and their guests play with spontaneity and relaxation that comes from knowing each other. But they also play with a tight depth and a sense of the dance that can only come from an immersion in and love of the music.

- Rambles
written by Jamie O'Brien
published 23 August 2003