Album: Daybreak: F inne an Lae *

Song Title

Time

Western Highway

Free and Easy

Seoith¡n Seoth¢

Cnoc n and Teampaill

Persuasion

Sl n le M igh

Isle of Malachy, The

Spealad¢ir, An

Emigrant's Farewell, The

10)

Humours of Whiskey

11)

Banks of the Nile, The

12)

Parting Glass, The

Album: Daybreak: F inne an Lae *

Song Title

Time

Western Highway

Free and Easy

Seoith¡n Seoth¢

Cnoc n and Teampaill

Persuasion

Sl n le M igh

Isle of Malachy, The

Spealad¢ir, An

Emigrant's Farewell, The

10)

Humours of Whiskey

11)

Banks of the Nile, The

12)

Parting Glass, The

Performer Notes

Personnel: Billy Mag Fhloinn (bodhran); Gerry O'Beirne (guitar, 12-string guitar, National guitar, ukulele); Shane MacGowan, Tony Byrne, John Doyle (guitar); amon Doorley (bouzouki); Ois¡n McAuley (fiddle, background vocals); Julie Fowlis (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Ivan O'Shea; Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh.
Recording information: Grouse Lodge, Co. Westmeath.
Translator: Aine Moynihan.
Arrangers: Ois¡n McAuley; Shane MacGowan; amon Doorley; John Doyle ; Tony Byrne; Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh.
If a listener approaches Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh's new album expecting to hear traditional interpretations of Celtic folk songs, he or she will probably be disappointed. If, on the other hand, a listener approaches Daybreak: F inne an Lae as contemporary folk that borrows a thing or two from tradition, he or she will find it quite enjoyable. Part of the problem in how to interpret her music is that even her name, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, hints at tradition, as does the album's title. And it doesn't help that she sings a number of old folk songs in her native tongue, again hinting at a commitment to traditionalism. But whatever language Amhlaoibh sings, and whether the songs come from ancient sources or Richard Thompson, the songs that grace Daybreak are easygoing and gentle contemporary folk in the style of Kate Rusby (not Anne Briggs). The opener, "Western Highway," for instance, would be perfectly at home on a number of NPR programs. Daybreak allows Amhlaoibh to take center stage and, along with her pleasing vocals, show off her prowess on both the flute and whistle. Fans of her previous work with Dan£ will welcome her debut on Compass. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

Professional Reviews

Dirty Linen (p.53) - "The album finishes with what may be the definitive rendition for years to come of the exquisite Scottish lament 'The Parting Glass'."

Global Rhythm (Publication) (p.47) - "On DAYBREAK she takes center stage and commands it. This album evokes the sheer beauty of a Kate Rusby release..."

Mojo (Publisher) (p.96) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]here's enough challenge in 'The Emigrant's Farewell', 'Banks Of The Nile' and Richard Thompson's 'Persuasion' to keep you hooked."