These two releases have obvious comparison points; both are debut albums from young Gaelic singers from Gaeltacht areas with rich local traditions to draw from. Lasairfhiona Ni Chonaola from Inisheer in the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh from Dun Caoimhin (Dun Quin) in County Kerry are both highly accomplished at their respective vocal crafts. It is in the treatment of their wares where they differ.

Lasairfhiona Ni Chonaola's debut An Raicin Alainn (The Beautiful Comb) is picking up serious attention in Ireland where Hot Press magazine voted it best traditional album of 2002. With its relaxed arrangements and Lasirfhiona's exquisite vocals, it comes as no surprise.Lasairfhiona herself has appeared in a TV documentary with Sinead O'Connor and recorded with Hector Zazou on his Lights in the Dark production alongside Katie McMahon and Breda Mayock. The material includes everything from light-hearted songs like 'Bean Pháidín" to heavier staples of the sean nos repertoire. Of the latter "Casadh an tSugain" is given a delightful baroque arrangement while the accapella "Úna Bhán" resembles Scots Island Gaelic in approach rather than a more homely brewed sound.

Lasairfhiona Ni Chonaola is quite unlike any sean nos singer before her. While she takes her material from the local traditions, her vocal style comes from a much wider hymn sheet. Valid comparisons would be with both Norah Jones and Astrid Gilberto as Lasairfhiona's wispy ethereal voice floats over the supple backing arrangements to create an atmospheric ambient mood. She ventures into wordless vocalese on "De Thaisme", while "Ceol Na Gaoithe" conjures up images of Lori Anderson and Jane Siberry stranded in Connemara. Another surprising departure is the spoken "Oileán na Teiscinne" with breathy, childlike inflections. This is definitely no run of the mill sean nos affair and An Raicin Alainn (The Beautiful Comb) hits its emotional targets head on while also striking new ground admirably. This could be the voice to turn heads unaccustomed to the beauties of the sean nos tradition. Gorgeous.

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh from Dun Caoimhin (Dun Quin) near Dingle in County Kerry comes from a musical family. Being a singer and flautist she has toured Ireland and outside in various combinations including the Irish/Afro fusion band DeJimbe. Last year Muireann recorded her debut album Morning Star/Realt Na Maidine while obtaining her M.A. in Traditional Music Performance in The Irish World Music Centre situated in Limerick University.

An accomplished vocal talent in both Gaelic and English, her singing has a rich fluent quality. This makes for a voice that is strong and determined and when combined with minimal accompaniment as on Tommy Sands' lesser-known song "The County Down" of the traditional "Is Fada Lom Uaim I," she shows she can produce performances of quiet, dignified strength. On the Gaelic songs, I feel she shines brightest, having been knocked out hearing Muireann sing "Johnny Seoighe" at the Cork Folk Festival last year; she delightfully repeats the process here and "An Cailin Deas Rua" offers another quality performance.

Musically her flute playing is sprightly and flowing whether playing Irish, Breton or Galician tunes. Two sets stand out the opening "Katie Taylor's," hitting the mark immediately and a heartrending "Port na Bpucai". While Muireann's flute is out front, Majella Bartley, Tony Byrne,Tommy Hayes, Ian Carr and Brian Finnegan add sterling support. Morning Star/Realt Na Maidine is a highly accomplished debut from a promising and intriguing talent.

Two young Gaelic singers releasing top notch though quite different solo debut albums. Lasirfhiona Ni Chonaola may have garnered the deserved critical applause but Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh's first outing is a highly impressive effort which ought not to be ignored either.

[John O'Regan]