Baileys, A Song For Ireland (Toucan Cove, 2009)
The Baileys have been around for a number of years, but are not widely known on my side of the Irish Sea, mainly in Ireland. However, this could all change soon. I understand this is their first album as a duo. The experience they have gained on the road (having gigged extensively in Ireland), and their ability to 'read an audience' shows not only in their choice of material but also in the way it is played. This is a superb album of favourite Irish songs that won't offend anyone. It simply entertains from start to finish.
Sometimes these days, artists trying to be too clever often spoils good songs. It is almost like a step back in time listening to the arrangements and delivery of the songs; true Irish pub folk as it used to be played when I was a lad.
The Baileys are Michael Banahan on vocals, acoustic guitar and bodhrán and Anthony McDermott on acoustic guitar and backing vocals. So why are they called The Baileys? Damned if I know! Perhaps they wanted to call themselves The Dubliners, but that name had been taken! They are joined on the album by guest musicians Paul Gurney, piano, bass, accordion, acoustic guitar, and percussion; Noel Carberry on Uilleann pipes, and whistles; Aoife Kelly playing fiddle; Johnnie Duffy on banjo and Danny Sherrin singing backing vocals.
The songs, 20 tracks in all, are mostly traditional Irish ballads such as 'I'll Tell Me Ma,' 'Rocky Road to Dublin,' 'Black Velvet Band,' 'Arthur McBride,' 'The Wild Rover,' and 'Colcannon' to name but a few, and contemporary material such as 'Fields of Athenry,' 'A Song For Ireland,' 'Fiddlers Green' plus many more. If you are looking for new arrangements and treatments for these songs, you will be disappointed. This is not what the album is about. Instead, the songs are sung as they are supposed to be with sensitivity and taste. Very much as you might expect to hear at any folk club or session. In short they are enjoyable and entertaining letting the lyrics and melodies speak for themselves.
To sum up, this is the debut album from the Baileys, and it won't be their last. Here is a band that is commercially viable. It won't be long before they start to appear on folk club and festival guest lists. They have a web site here with more information, plus you can hear, and buy the album on-line. Good entertaining Irish folk at its best.
