February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
BBC SESSIONS
Rory Gallagher
Considered by many to be one of the finest blues guitarists in the world, Rory Gallagher left behind an impressive body of work when he died in 1995 at the age of 42. The 22 tracks on "BBC Sessions" were culled from live BBC radio performances, and includes original compositions "Hands Off," "For the Last Time" and "Used to Be," as well as traditional blues numbers like "HooDoo Man." The double-CD package features comprehensive liner notes and unreleased photos. On Buddha Records 7446599649-2.
THE PLOUGHMAN’S LUNCH
The Ploughman’s Lunch
The band’s self-titled album is the fourth effort from this Pennsylvania-based group. Frontman Karl Mullen, a native of Dublin, combines forces with Don Roehlich (saxes, clarinet), Hugh Watkins (upright bass, penny whistle) and Richard Greene (congas, tar and bendit) to create a sound that the Pittsburgh City Paper described as "deeply moving . . . with lyrics that explore passion, heartache and longing." On J-Bird Records, 6-1746-80290-2.
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WHISPER TO THE WILD WATER
Maire Brennan
Long the voice of the legendary Irish group Clannad, Maire Brennan is following in the footsteps of her sister Enya by branching out into a solo career. With her fourth album, "Whisper to the Wild Water," Brennan builds upon her traditional roots with music that mixes uilleann pipes and fiddles with the sound of electric guitar and keyboards. The album is something of a family affair. Tracks include "Peacemaker," which features a brief Gaelic preface spoken by Brennan’s 5-year-old son, and "I lathair De (In God’s Presence)," a duet with her mother, Baba. On Word Records, 080688595128.
DISCOVERING KERRY
It’s History, Heritage
and Topography
T.J. Barrington
The book sets out to discover three things ab out Kerry: What is special about its history? What is its heritge? How does one get to see what should be seen? Dufour Editions, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007. 336PP. $54.95.