Mick McAuley
An Ocean’s Breadth
Shanachie SH 78055; 41 minutes; 2003
Mick McAuley’s reputation as one of
Ireland’s best button accordionists was burgeoning long before he joined Solas
some five years ago, but only the band’s most ardent fans are probably aware
that he’s a more than capable singer too. This combination of abilities ensures
that the Kilkenny man’s debut album offers an inventive melange and provides
welcome relief to those who find entire albums of accordion music too much to
stomach. Moreover, as tunes such as the unpredictable Colito Fortusa and
the more mainstream The Pumphouse Jig demonstrate, McAuley is an
intriguing composer too.
All of the
album’s five songs are traditional, sources ranging from the Child ballad
collection (The House Carpenter) to Pentangle (Rain and Snow),
offering plenty of scope for McAuley’s mellow tenor. Various Solas members
guest (and Seamus Egan produced the album), but Mick very much proves to be his
own man on a sparkling confection well worth acquiring.
This review by Geoff Wallis originally appeared in Songlines - www.songlines.co.uk.
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