When All Is Said and Done

Danu carries on the Irish tradition in high fashion, all of the musicians young but already more than casually rooted in the various styles of Celtic folk music. Guitarist Donal Clancy, the son of Liam, a towering presence in the Irish revival as both solo artist and Clancy Brother (not to mention a crucial influence on the young Bob Dylan), comes from a particularly prominent musical heritage, but the other band members all have their own impressive resumes. The music, bright, skillfully executed, and entirely acoustic, underscores the young generation of Celtic artists' turn away from the synthesized approach that, not all that long ago, drove lots of Irish recordings into the New Age bins. Happily, Danu will have none of that.

Dylan's "Farewell, Angelina," which manages to sound at once wildly surreal and deeply traditional (just like, come to think of it, many authentic folk songs), is an inspired cover among the CD's five vocal outings. Many years ago I heard the ballad called here "Only Nineteen Years Old" as "A Very Unfortunate Man," one of those shaggy-dog songs akin to "Four Nights Drunk," exploring the comic possibilities of marital treachery. Paul Brady's "Follow on" is an elegantly romantic vision of life, love, and landscape, sung with admirable nuance by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh.

One hopes Danu is a band merely in its infancy, with more and even finer to come as it grows and matures. Meantime, we have this excellent CD in which to revel.

If you are looking for the very best Danu has to offer, try the DVD "One Night Stand." It is probably one of the finest offerings in the genre of Irish traditional music currently available. It is a filmed performance in front of a very enthusiastic audience of friends and families.

If you become addicted to Danu, as I am, this is a worthy addition to a full collection. I consider them among the very top shelf of traditional Irish bands. If this is your genre of music, these are "must have" albums. The beautiful "Follow On" sounds like an American song, but is Paul Brady Irish tune with haunting lyrics. However, in track 6 they do their arrangement of Bob Dylan's classic "Farewell Angelina." Newest member Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh demonstrates her excellent vocal talents. My other favorite from this album is the first track "Highest Hill" - a rousing set of reels that are percussion driven with Donnchadh Gough on Irish drum (bodhran). You cannot miss the big guy during concerts or on the DVD, as he goes wild on extremely fast paced bodhran performances. Donnchadh returns to provide excellent (Ulienne) bagpipes for the classic "Coachman's Whip." Eamon Doorley is involved in several introductory lead ins to sets, and provides some of the very best Irish Bouzouki playing to be heard on CD. Osin McAuley on fiddle, Benny McCarty on button accordian, and Tom Doorley on flute are providing one, two and three instrument leads and counterpoint with Donal Clancy providing excellent chord and rhythm on guitar and base. As a group, they have started as a very young group in their first album and have now progressed to the point of being a tightly knit and coordinated musical sound.

I would give this album a wholehearted approval, typical of my other Danu reviews but for the exception of the barndance (Around the House) that sounds like American Country and Western Swing at the start, not my taste in music. I would rate this album at four and a half if that were an option.

However, the rest of the tracks are excellent Danu performances, not to be missed by traditional Celtic music fans. Be sure to visit the Danu website for more information on new CDs and concert schedules.

We had the great privilege to see Danu live at the Saint Paul Irish Fair (MN). Absolutely wonderful music....and they're likable, witty and just plain nice on top of everything. The only niggle I have is that I missed the uillean pipes...not a one to be seen or heard at the whole fair (unless I missed something). I had hoped Danu would have the piper and the guy who sings "Fair & Tender Ladies" (my favorite that Danu did-or maybe favorite song period-it's off of "Think Before You Think")but it was not to be. We bought this CD and had them autograph it...give it a try...it's got some beautiful songs (Follow On) and some rolicking trad music as well.

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