The duet of Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis bring a special sensitivity and love of tradition to their work. This collection of songs is just superb. Their version of "Auld Lang Syne" -- a song we all tend to hate -- on this album was a revelation to me. They have recently released a second album,The Colours of Lichen (1997) which is also excellent.
Brian Lennon (flute, whistle, vocals), of the famous Leitrim Lennons, Tom Doherty (accordion, melodeon), John McHugh (fiddle), Kevin Doherty (double bass), and Declan Askin (guitar, vocals) are Ceide, a band which got its start playing the sessions at Matt Molloy's pub in Westport, Co. Mayo. Great instrumental work, sometimes sounding a bit like Lunasa (the double bass will do that), especially on their arrangement of Pierre Bensusan's "Le Voyage pour l'Irlande" (The Trip to Ireland), which is bound to attract attention.
