Manchester-based musician Mat Walklate's career has two main pillars. He plays traditional Irish music as well as the blues. His tools are different kinds of flutes, whistles and harmonicas, the uilleann pipes and his voice.

His latest album, Cold in April, is a collection of traditional Irish tunes and songs, some original tunes from Walklate and one instrumental set from Irish fiddler Andrew Dinan.

Matt Fahey sings the traditional "P stands for Paddy," accompanied by Walklate on flutes and pipes; it's a beautiful song brilliantly interpreted with simple but striking arrangement. Another traditional song, "Come by the Hills," introduces us to the beautiful voice of Walklate himelf.

The other 14 tracks are all instrumental sets full of terrific rhythms and wonderful tunes. The opening polka set consists of three original compositions, "The Narky Fiddler/Mayfield/Listen to Ralph." Walklate plays flute, pipes and whistles alongside Paul Cowham on guitar and Vinnie Short on bodhran. This is a perfect start for an album full of the most beautiful and stirring dance tunes. Another self-crafted set is "The Water Bed/Saltwick/Barnesmore." This time Mat is a solo performer on two different flutes to play a simple tune and two reels.

My favourite traditional set is "Reel of Bogie/Money in both Pockets" played by Walklate on flute and Pat O'Reilly on bouzouki.

I really love this CD because of its wonderful musicians, amazing and creative arrangements and authentic sound. Manchester always has been and will be a centre of Irish culture in the midst of England.

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