I may be a Celtic music fan (some friends probably think fanatic would be more appropriate) but I’m totally ignorant of many of the details of that vast scene.
So when I’m informed that Ciarán Ó Maonaigh represents the Donegal fiddle tradition and comes from a background rich in making music, I can only go “that’s great” but, to be honest, I’m totally at a loss when it comes to regional styles, be it Ireland, Scotland or any other Celtic folk music region. I just listen; that’s what I can do here in far away Finland.
But at least I can appreciate what I hear when what I’m hearing is good. And this one, this is damn good, people.
The first minutes of the opening set (Farewell to Leitrim / The Moving Bogs / The Repeal of the Union) are in my outsider ears full trad with just the fiddle and guitar, but the way it then builds and builds is absolutely beautiful and quite awesome, really. And it’s followed by the lovely pair of Elizabeth Kelly’s Delight / Palm Sunday, with some very tastefully integrated synths enriching the sound.
Also, this album is engineered and mastered very well, it’s simply a pleasure to listen and has an almost immersive quality I rarely encounter in these genres.
There are 11 tracks in all, most of them sets, from the uptempo (e.g. Frankie’s Frolics) to some wonderfully serene pieces (e.g. Unst Bridal March). Ciáran and Seán are excellent throughout and on some tunes very well supported by Ciáran’s wife and long time collaborator Caitlín Nic Gabhann (check out the Caitlín and Ciáran albums if you haven’t already) and bodhran master Jimmy Higgins.
What I really like about Lost In Music is how rich it is, from the top notch production to the selection of tunes and the structure of the sets. It’s living tradition with some very nice spices added to the mix, in moderation.
So I’m enjoying this for the music itself; if you want to read a real expert commentary that includes facts I could not know, I direct you to read Adrian Scahill’s in-depth analysis on https://journalofmusic.com/reviews/lost-and-reimagined-donegal-fiddle-music
My favorite tracks/sets: Palm Sunday, Over The Hill, The Star, Unst Bridal March
https://caitlinciaran.bandcamp.com/album/caillte-sa-cheol-lost-in-the-music
FolkNotes 