Martín Tourish & Luke Ward
Clan
Ranald
Own label
CR001; 57 minutes; 2005
If one of the names seems
familiar to followers of Irish music, indeed accordionist Martín Tourish is
related to Altan’s Ciarán of that ilk and, like his better known uncle, also
hails from Donegal, though in this case it’s the town of Ballybofey. Though himself
born in Cavan, bouzouki player Luke Ward’s father also came from Ballybofey,
and unsurprisingly this sparkling debut album draws many of its influences from
the northwest of Ireland, not least in the shape of the Donegal fiddle
tradition.
Effervescent and musically adroit musicianship
thoroughly characterizes Clan Ranald and Martín’s playing of the piano
accordion, as opposed to the more commonly occurring button variety, will
provide one in the eye for those who feel the instrument is unsuited to
traditional music. Luke too offers a distinctive subtlety in his accompaniment,
while the judicious employment of Stiofán Ó Brion’s bodhrán and Terry McGinty’s
bass on selected tracks adds further depth.
Then there’s uncle Ciarán
himself who appears for an inspiring set of tunes aptly entitled The Tourish
Se’, particularly as one of the melodies derives from another family
member, Francie, and the others derive from the pens of Ciarán and Martín.
Guitarist Steve Cooney also pops up for the breezy Ardara Sessions,
while Martín’s compositional skills are further to the fore on the delightful
‘The Fortune Teller’ and there’s even time for a couple of step dancers to
strut their stuff on Skitatoes.
All told, Clan Ranald is
enjoyment personified and marks Messrs. Tourish and Ward as two of Ireland’s
brightest musical talents.
This review by Geoff Wallis
originally appeared in Songlines magazine – www.songlines.co.uk.
For more information visit www.clanranald.com.