The Kinnitty Sessions by Lúnasa
This is a live recording from 2004 by one of Irelands most progressive traditional music bands. At times ferociously fast with dazzling displays of virtuosity; at others a reminder of the haunting feelings that underpin much of this beautiful and traditional musical form.
A ridiculously brief overview of Irish music
It is believed that much of the foundation was brought to Ireland 2000 years ago by the Celts and has developed from there to what it is today.
Certainly there is an incredible amount of history behind it and coupled with the emigration that took place over many years; traditional Irish music is now well known across the globe. In some ways a story not unlike the origins of tango music.
Tradition and Innovation
Many of the typical instruments associated with Irish music such as flute, tin whistle, bodhrán, fiddle and Uillean pipes are all present in Lúnasa’s line-up; but the addition of acoustic guitar and in particular, double bass, helps to create Lúnasa’s more contemporary feel.
And so back to the Kinnitty sessions
It is scarcely believable...
...that this is a live album, such is the brilliantly polished playing of the performers.
It feels like the arrangements of the tunes have perhaps been more carefully crafted than older forms of the tradition, with many of the songs transitioning from one tempo and feel to another, such as in Stolen Purse, Ballyogan and Sean in the Fog. I would guess this type of musical journey needs careful planning for it to come together as cleanly as it has? And something maybe the traditionalists are less in favour of?
Quick caveat: I don’t claim to be an aficionado by any stretch, so I could be wrong – let me know what you think in the comments!
The perfect mix
On this recording, there is a beautiful mix of up-tempo songs such as Island Paddy, The Walrus and Tie the Bonnet as well as more haunting ones like Punch (at least it starts that way!), The Dimmers and The Wounded Hussar that really capture the mood of the different emotions of life.
I guess the capturing of different emotions through music is something that traditional music forms all around the world often reflect.
A really beautiful album
There are numerous, sumptuous lead melodic lines that interweave around each other – never getting in the way or tripping each other up. Always perfectly supporting and enhancing the overall feel of the songs, creating incredible depth to Lúnasa’s music. It really is a captivating listen.
Similarities to other traditional music forms?
Irish music may not be something you’ve listened to much before, but I believe there is a huge amount of crossover to other traditional forms of music from around the world, and that there is something in there we can all relate to in some small way.
The Kinnitty Sessions is a fantastic representation of modern Irish music. It feels like it still captures the essence of the Irish music tradition whilst allowing the musicians to explore and hypnotise their audience with their phenomenal musical ability.
So what did you think? This one was a bit left field for us, but actually when we break it down, the qualities of Lúnasa’s music and approach are similar to other bands we’ve reviewed.
So will you be off to the Emerald Isle to explore more? Or will you be waiting for us to head back to more familiar territory on our next album review?
Saludos,
Dave
No comments