JOHN McSHERRY – SOMA (Compass Records 7 4538 2)

The sheer beauty of the Uilleann pipes and low whistle is bought vividly to life in the hands of John McSherry. No need for flashy statements that leave you thinking I could never play that in a million years. It’s not that I’m sure he couldn’t it’s just that McSherry relies on a good tune to carry the story. Ably supported by his talented ‘band’ Donal O’Connor (keyboards & fiddle), Ruben Bada (bouzouki & guitar), Israel Sanchez (drums), Joanne McSherry (fiddle), Francis McIlduff (bodhran) Paul McSherry & Tony Byrne (guitars) this is a tightly controlled vision that includes many elements of well established artists such as The Bothy Band and more recently Lunasa. From the plaintive “An Bhean Chaointe” and “Aisling Gheal” to the driving “Wave-Sweeper” the energy doesn’t let up for a minute. Whether utilising a good old fashioned standard like “The Rambles Of Kitty” or dipping into his own well constructed self-penned melodies John provides a more than pleasurable breath of bellows driven air.

PETE FYFE

Artist website: www.johnmcsherry.com


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