Lunasa has recently brought their traditional Irish sound to the states and if you take a listen you will have a hard time sitting still. Recently, on their first American tour to New York City, they had sold out shows all by word of mouth. To fill a sold out show by word of mouth takes some good music and Lunasa has brought that about.
The band derived its name from the ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh known as the patron of the arts. The band members have an impressive resume with most of them playing with some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade such as the Waterboys, The Sharon Shannon Band, Coolfin, and Moving Cloud.
Although Lunasa plays traditional Irish music they interweave their tunes with jazz, as well as improvisational forms. The first track, "Enair," brings the fast and furious sounds of Irish music as we know it and sets the tone for more. "Marta," track three, relies heavily on the flute to bring across its relaxing melody while "Airbeann," track four, brings its jig to life with the hornpipe.
The musicians; Trevor Hutchinson, Donogh Hennessy, Sean Smyth, Kevin Crawford, John McSherry, and Cillian Vallely are distinctive in the use of their instruments all being inspired by the 1970's group The Bothy Band.
If you like this brand of electrifying Irish music then make sure you check out Ashley MacIsaac known for his special brand of kicking (literally) Irish music as well.
5 tocks. (I really like Irish music and this ranks at the top)
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Marie AsnerLunasa is the contemporary Celtic band wowing audiences and fans since arriving on the music scene in 1996. The group is named for a Celtic harvest festival honoring the Irish god, Lugh. This album was put together from studio work and live recordings done in 1996 at the Lobby Bar, Cork and was available only as an import album until now. There are twelve tracks, eleven from the original album…Similar sounding releases
2001Michael McGoldrick / John McSherryAt First Light
2003Paddy Keenan / Tommy O'SullivanThe Long Grazing Acre
1994The CrossingDancing at the Crossroads
2000Nick and Anita HaighCeltic Roots and Rhythms - Heartcry
2000The CompanyThe Company
2005Tim O'BrienFiddler's Green
