Picture if you would, a group of Celtic warriors the evening before a major battle. They dance around a large bonfire, dancing and singing preparing for battle the next morning. Or picture their more modern counterparts at a wedding or some other festive gathering dancing and celebrating to the sound of the flute, pipes and drums. These are just some of the mental pictures conjured up whilst listening to At First Light.
The primary instruments of Michael McGoldrick are the low whistle and the wooden flute, his partner in this venture John McSherry is a master at the uilleann pipes. They are accompanied on this musical odyssey by a fine cast of supporting musicians playing guitar, percussion and fiddle. A totally instrumental project, we journey from the green shores of Ireland to the highlands of Scotland and out on the wild seas which separate the two. If you are a fan of Celtic music of the more celebratory nature then by all means pick this album up. You'll find yourself dancing all over the place.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Dan SingletonMcGoldrick (flutes) and McSherry (pipes) are both masters of their respective instruments and paint amazing landscapes and emotions without knocking you over with their power. The first track magically transported me to an Irish pub (either that or Bilbo's eleventy-first birthday party). I could almost see the gleeful folk dancing around me with ales in hand. The entire album is full of…Similar sounding releases
2002Niall and Cillian VallelyCallan Bridge
1998LunasaLunasa
2002The CrossingStanding Stones
2000Nick and Anita HaighCeltic Roots and Rhythms - Heartcry
2000The CompanyThe Company
2005Tim O'BrienFiddler's Green
