Oisín Mac Diarmada, Ar an bhfidil (Irish Fiddle Music from Sligo) (Ceol Records, released by Green Linnet, 2004)
All Ireland Champion fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada steps up to the plate here and delivers a real gem of a recording that places him squarley at the top of the pile. Although capable of quick playing, Oisín holds back off full throttle for the most part and allows the tunes to speak for themselves. Evident is the extensive research that went into each selection with variations from past masters incorporated with ease and tune settings outside of the norm. Some tunes could be considered rare indeed. Joining Oisín on this recording are a number of luminaries, including fellow fiddlers John Carty and Séamus Quinn (who plays piano here) as well as other players who would become Téada including John Blake and Tristan Rosenstock.
This record sums up for me the astounding depth of the Irish tradition, and particularly its fiddlers. Oisín plays with an assurity that at times is astounding. His seemingly effortless ability to affect melodic variation ensures that the tunes are always surprising with delightful twists and turns, without straying from the basic framework. The accompaniment is subtle but secure, and many tracks are solo in nature. Of the 17 tracks comprising some 31 tunes, the fiddle features in everything save a set of reels in which Oisín displays a talent for the tin whistle.
Highlights? Well, where does one start. The consensus in circles around here is that his duets with John Carty are among the most sublimely enjoyable pieces of twin fiddling heard outside of the Keane sisters. Certainly the listener would have to agree, but there is something for everyone here, with one notable exception: There are no slow airs, which I find intriguing.
There has been a backlash against the excessive speed of playing in the last couple of decades, so it's great to see a record that puts the music back in the middle: not too fast, not too slow. There is a lovely soft quality to it that sits easily on the ear and the overall effect is very calming and satisfactory, almost charming. I highly reccomend this CD. More information and product are available through the Téada website.
