Another Sky

Another Sky

Altan hails from the same part of Ireland as Clannad. But while that other County Donegal band has turned to middle-of-the-road pop, Altan walks down a more traditional path of Irish music. It's one connected to the revival begun when the Bothy Band and Boys of the Lough rediscovered an Irish musical tradition deeper than "Danny Boy." Like those forbears, Altan is more raucous, less ethereal, and relies on simple acoustic instruments and live performance to get their heritage across. That doesn't mean they're a musty repertory band, dusting off Irish curios like antique-shop keepers. Altan infuses their songs with a new vitality, led by the breathy voice of MairÃ©ad NÃ Mhaonaigh, who sings in English and Gaelic. She and CiarÃ¡n Curran wrap twin fiddles around songs like "The High Fiddle Reel." On the many slow airs, including "Island Girl," Altan creates a rippling accompaniment of bouzoukis, guitars, flute, and accordion to NÃ Mhaonaigh's voice. Altan is a welcome relief from the over-produced new Celtic music of recent years. --John Diliberto
Country USA
Brand EMI
Manufacturer Emi Europe Generic
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber 724384883829
Model 724384883829
ReleaseDate 2000-02-28
UnitCount 1
Format Import
UPCs 724384883829
EANs 0724384883829

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