The first reviews for A SONG FOR IRELAND, the debut release from The Baileys, are in, and they are phenomenal!
FOLK WAX
A Perfect Example of the Genre, (06/25/09)
Our brethren over at BluesWax have a description that they use for those players who are most true to the traditional roots of the Blues. It is "real deal." When it comes to traditional Irish songs there couldn't be a better description for The Baileys. They are the real deal. On A Song For Ireland the duo offers the epitome of traditional Irish song. This is not the modern version of fast-paced instrumental playing so popular among the new Trad crowd. In fact the instrumentation here is very predictable, it is just what is supposed to accompany these songs and the only real steps outside are some pipes and whistles from Noel Carberry. This is the songs as they have been handed down from one voice to the next. And songs they are, built around the voice of Michael Banahan (you might remember him as a founder of Rig The Jig). And what a voice; it is the voice for which these songs were meant. It is organic, peaty, and true. It is simply a joy to hear him present these songs that we have heard so many times.
In many ways listening to The Baileys (Banahan and his partner Anthony McDremott) play these songs is to hear them for the first time. Having heard many of these traditional songs ("Colcannon," "Star of County Down," "Black Velvet Band," and many more) played in hundreds of pubs in dozens of countries and having played many myself, upon hearing The Baileys I realized that I had been hearing and playing them in a way slightly untrue to the roots. Somewhere along the way they all got sped up to a more modern pace. Here they are presented with the patience and care from which they were bred. Here it is the energy of the song itself that carries, not the energy of the singer. This is as these songs were meant to be sung.
And there is a reason for that truly perfect presentation. For more than twenty-five years, these boys have played virtually every place in Ireland where this music is played, where this music was born. There is the proper dose of Irish haunting where it belongs and never too much joy where that belongs. Even that chestnut "Danny Boy," which usually means a trip to the bar for me to avoid the disappointment of yet another not-quite-on-the-mark version, is as it should be, with it's underlying richness apparent and it's obvious point not too pointed. Again, it is just right.
If you are the sort who loves traditional Irish songs you need look no further, this is a perfect example of the genre. It is the real deal. Jason Wesley
FOLK WORDS
‘A Song for Ireland’ - pure gold from The Baileys (July 15, 2009)
The Irish folk tradition – too often successive artists dredge up the same old, same old when it comes to recording traditional songs. Then occasionally someone comes up with pure gold. I’m happy to tell you that if you love the Irish tradition the new album from The Baileys – ‘a Song for Ireland’ will not disappoint. This is traditional Irish song as it should be sung.
The Baileys are Michael Banahan (vocals, acoustic guitar, bodhran) and Anthony McDermott (acoustic guitar). On this album they add guests Paul Gurney (piano, bass, accordion, acoustic guitar and percussion) Noel Carberry (uilleann pipes and whistles) Aoife Kelly (fiddle) Johnnie Duffy (banjo) and Danny Sheerin (backing vocals). And that mix is just right.
This gentle and restful amble round the woven wonders of Irish song is carried by Michael’s richly crafted voice. Borne by an intricate yet infinitely subtle musical web it leads you to hidden places. You may well recognize the songs, you may have heard them dozens of times before, but this album is as fresh as distilled dew on a green grass morning.
In this album many of those traditional songs that innumerable bands have done to death, earn a new life. From ‘Rocky Road to Dublin’ and ‘A Song for Ireland’ through ‘Black Velvet Band’ and ‘Peggy Gordon’ to ‘Dirty Old Town’ and ‘Fiddlers Green’ - the deft touch of true musicians is there for all to hear.
If there’s a place in your heart (and ears) for the Irish tradition delivered with care and consideration add this album to your collection - go to www.copperplatemailorder.com But be prepared, you may grow to despise some of the versions you already have. Tim Carroll
COPPERPLATE
From Jackie Sweeney's beautiful painting on the cover you should get the vibe that this album is something special, then when you hear the beauty in the grooves, you are full aware that this is a labor of love. For their first outing, these two well established Irish musicians have chosen 20 of Ireland's favorite songs and given them a beautiful and very considerate treatment. Nothing is overplayed; in fact understatement is the order of the day. With the musicians being a conduit for the songs and with some consideration you will agree with us that the reason these songs (so often bullied and under respected) have become part of the Irish psyche is they are bloody great songs! In the hands of The Baileys they are allowed to shine (and bring you their magic) in the spotlight once more.
Tracks from A SONG FOR IRELAND can be heard on the following US public radio stations and programs:
Prairie Cielidh
Celtic Radio Netowrk
KBCS (heavy rotation)
The Midnight Special
Online Folk Festival
KKUP
World of Music
Traditions with Mary Cliff
|