Solas - Solas

This demonstration-quality recording could actually be played to audition high-end loudspeakers. The album features Irish songs collected over the centuries. The arrangements are snappy and have a contemporary flair. The depth of Seamus Egan’s bodhrán against Karan Casey’s pure, clear voice can be heard on “Níl ‘Na Lá.” Here, the fiddle and the guitar trade off and the choruses are spirited—the song is a fine rendition of an old drinking song. The resonances of guitar and violin on “Crested Hens” create a lovely air, though Egan’s low whistle on “Lament for Frankie,” another air, is even more chilling. Among the reels, “The Flowing Bowl” is a favorite, and among the jigs, “The White Petticoat.” An extraordinary album in every way.

ABOUT SOLAS:
Solas is a 1990s Irish-American phenomenon. The group’s story begins with Seamus Egan, who was born in Philadelphia in 1969, then moved to Ireland at age 4, where he later became an all-Ireland champion on several instruments, including the banjo, mandolin, and flute. He returned to Philadelphia and performed with his sisters and with the Green Fields of America. While on tour, Egan’s car broke down, and a kind family helped. As it happened, the family’s son was involved with a small film, The Brothers McMullen. Egan’s music became a major part of the soundtrack. Singer Karan Casey grew up in Waterford County, Ireland, and sang jazz in NYC’s Irish clubs in the early 1990s. Fiddler Winifred Horan worked with Cherish the Ladies. Guitar player John Doyle is from Ireland, as are the parents of accordion player John Williams. As these musicians crossed professional paths, Solas took shape in 1995.