Like so many Irish musicians, Don Stiffe started out with a brass band in his native Galway and has progressed through the music business over the years, honing his craft and accumulating a repertoire of songs to entertain and delight. On his album Longing for the Day we are treated to just under a dozen songs, but they serve to highlight his mastery of the trade.

His interpretation of Jimmy McCarthy's "There is No Night" is a wonderfully crafted song that does full justice to a beautiful song.

The CD also showcases Stiffe's own songwriting talent. One of my favourites of his own compositions is "Celia Griffin," which is a wonderful story-song that one should listen to very closely. It makes one want to seek out so much more about the subject of the song. He also contributes a nice tribute to his home area on "Connemara My Home."

He proves his ability to tell a story in song is epitomised in another original number called "You Will Always Be My Mother," which tells the heart-rending tale of an adoptee learning of his status. It will bring a lump to many a throat.

Sadly, the cover notes do not tell us much of the stories featured other than to say that his rendition of "Isle of Inishfree" comes from an arrangement of the tune by the St. Patrick's Brass Band -- and what a wonderful track it proves to be. Add to these songs like "Sarah," from the pen of Johnny McEvoy, and "Supermarket Wine" by Micky McConnell, and you have a wonderful album that should be sought out.