This set of four CDs is not about the music. It's about the dance.

The Set is a collection of dance music in the Irish tradition. The musicians are listed, but not prominently; the titles of the tunes aren't included anywhere. Instead, there are set titles, each of which includes several dance figures, and specific labels identifying the the tunes as jigs, reels, polkas or other Irish style. This is the sort of collection you want to play at a social gathering where there's plenty of hard floor space and an excess of energy.

Don't know how to dance? Don't worry! The thick liner notes enclosed with each disc give highly detailed instructions for each figure. "1st top man and 2nd top woman dance into the centre and dance around each other clockwise, one full turn (4 bars) then swing (waltz hold) for 4 bars. They finish their swing facing the opposite direction." These CDs and notes are pretty much all a dedicated group of would-be dancers need to teach themselves the Irish forms and start dancing.

All told, the four CDs provide the music and instruction for 17 separate sets, all from Ireland's traditions in counties Kerry, Clare and Cork. The music was recorded by a variety of talented local musicians in casual settings; what the recordings lack in polish they make up in atmosphere. In some cases, you can hear the shuffle of dancing feet in the background, along with rhythmic clapping and cheers.

A valuable resource for dancers, this collection is equally useful for musicians who want to learn dance tunes and hone their style. Irish music fans who've never stepped on a dance floor or touched an instrument will still enjoy the tunes on their own -- it's an instant Irish music library.

by Tom Knapp
Rambles.NET
17 March 2006