If you don't count
the Chieftains,
Altan is probably the most popular traditional Irish group in the world right now. And they continue to find favor among hardcore folkies where
the Chieftains don't, since they resist the temptation to record albums with the likes of
Roger Daltrey and
Van Morrison. The band originally formed around the husband-and-wife nucleus of flutist
Frankie Kennedy and fiddler/singer
Maighread Ni Mhaonaigh, who recorded their first album in 1983. Other members joined the group over time, until it gradually hardened into the five-piece ensemble that is responsible for most of the music on this timely retrospective, which draws on the five
Altan discs that have appeared on the
Green Linnet label. All have been distinguished by exceptional energy and musicianship, and while some listeners will disagree with one or two programming choices, the selections here are all excellent;
Ni Mhaonaigh's sweet singing is always a special highlight. Best of all, the first pressings include a bonus disc of live recordings -- a poignant addendum, given the tragic death of
Frankie Kennedy from cancer in 1996. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson
