Donegal by Altan

Altan is arguably the most iconic band working in traditional Irish music today. For the past 35 years, they have been bringing the music of their native County Donegal to the world stage. Irish-language songs and dynamic twin-fiddling, the hallmarks of Altan’s sound, framework the band’s newest album, aptly titled Donegal. The album’s 10 tracks pay homage to Donegal’s rich musical heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. The authenticity and allure of the music transports listeners to a bygone time in rural Ireland while simultaneously forging a connection between the past and modern times.

Bandleader, lead vocalist and fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh is in fine form, lending her angelic voice to “Liostáil mé le Sáirsint” and “The Barley and the Rye” and contributing “Port Árainn Mhór/Port Kitty Rua Mooney,” an outstanding set of jigs, to the project. Altan’s newest member, Clare Friel, shares vocal duties with Ní Mhaonaigh, most notably on the track “Faoiseamh a Geheobhadsa” and adds her fiery twin fiddle playing to great effect. Accordionist Martin Tourish brings his formidable chops and compositional sense to the medley The House of Baoithín which pays homage to the mid 6th century Saint Baoithín. Dáithí Sproule (guitar), Mark Kelly (guitar, harmony vocals) and Ciarán Curran (bouzouki, mandolin) round out the band which is augmented by special guests Jim Higgins (Percussion), Steve Cooney (bass) and Graham Henderson (Keyboards) on select tracks. Recorded by Manus Lunny at Stiúidió na Mara (“Seafront Studio”) in County Donegal, Donegal captures the essence of the region which has inspired Altan since the band’s inception and further cements Altan’s legacy as one of the great cultural treasures of Ireland.

Tracklist

1.	The Yellow Tinker (Slow Reel)	3:03

2.	Liostáil mé le Sáirsint (Song)	3:11

3.	The Donegal Selection: An Bóthar Mór/Tommy Peoples’ Reel/Is Cuma Liom (Reels)	3:24

4.	Faoiseamh a Gheobhadsa (Song)	5:19

5.	Port Árainn Mhór/Port Kitty Rua Mooney (Jigs)	3:31

6.	The House of Baoithín Selection: Miss Stewart’s/Bonnie Annie/Hand Me Down The Tea Things/House of Baoithín (Reels)	3:54

7.	The Barley And The Rye (Song)	3:19

8.	An Gasúr Dána/An Ghirseach Dholba/Ríl na mBreac Beadaí (Reels)	4:08

9.	Gabhaim Molta Bríde (Song)	4:30

10.	The Letterkenny Blacksmith/John Doherty’s Favourite/Scread na Bealtaine (Reels)	4:16

Credits

released March 1, 2024

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh – Vocals/Fiddle
Ciarán Curran – Bouzouki/Mandolin
Dáithí Sproule – Guitar
Mark Kelly – Guitar/Backing Vocals
Martin Tourish – Accordion
Clare Friel – Fiddle/Viola/Vocals

With:
Jim Higgins – Percussion (1, 10)
Steve Cooney – Bass (1)
Graham Henderson – Keyboards (1)

Recorded at Stiúideo na Mara (“Seafront Studio”), An Bhráid, Tír Chonaill, Na Rosa (The Rosses), County Donegal, Ireland, by Manus Lunny
Additional Recording at ‘The Villa’, Savage, Minnesota, USA
Mixed by Matt Coles at Compass Sound Studio, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Mastered by Randy LeRoy at Tonal Park, Tacoma Park, Maryland, USA
Martin Tourish plays Martin Tourish Accordions by Bompezzo
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh plays a Noel Burke Bow
Cover art by Édaín O’Donnell
Package design by Robert Hakalski | www.vmdigital.com
Photography by Linda Cunningham

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