[.ca] Andy Irvine and Paul Brady

a classic:
This album is essential. The talent that is collected on this album can only be called amazing. I think this could be my favorite traditional album. It's a shame that there aren't more albums like this. Check out Arthur McBride and Lough Erne -- these are beautiful songs that really bring out Paul Brady's amazing voice.

The Deep Bronze White-frothed Stuff!!:
After a quarter-century worth of Irish recordings this is still the northstar that many of us refer back to. What sets it apart is the song-choices and perfect textural blend of instruments and voices, never yet duplicated or delivered so spiritedly. "The Plains of Kildare" starts the show off with a singularly exhilarating musical romp - the moment when the boys drop off from the racehorse drama and break into the instrumental section to run us across the finish line sends a rush up the spine. "Fred Finn's/Sailing Into Walpole's" is a mighty rendering that features Paul Brady's driving flatpicked guitar so primally wooden and sure while the mandolin and fiddle weave and join in. Brady has a unique guitar style that sounds between flatpicking and fingerstyle - shown to great effect, with his fine vocals, on "Mary and The Soldier" and "Arthur McBride". Irvine is the same old wizard of sound and voice. To top it off they couldn't have better sidemen than Kevin Burke on fiddle and Donal Lunny on bouzouki. I'd have never thought that harmonica (Andy's) could have worked alongside the traditional Irish instruments but here it sounds like it was made for the match - a long lost cousin to Uillean pipes and accordions. Enough of the gush - just buy the damned thing!

IRISH MUSIC AT ITS BEST:
When I first heard this album, on its release, 25 years ago, I knew immediately that it would doubtless stand the test of time. Andy Irvine and Paul Brady were (and still are) some of the finest musicians/singers that Ireland has produced, and to have multi-instrumentalist/genius Donal Lunny and fiddle great Kevin Burke along for the session is simply icing on the cake. There are great instrumental tunes on this disc, as well as some of the greatest songs in the seemingly bottomless well that Irish singers have been digging for centuries. The songs are delivered in wonderful style by both singers -- these two men's voices have become legendary in the genre. Andy was a founding member of both Planxy and Patrick Street, two incredible Irish bands who have given the world so much amazing music over the last 30 years. Paul also did a short stint with Planxty, and has blossomed into one of Ireland's most resepected singer-songwriters. Hearing the work of either of them is a treat -- hearing them together is heaven.. The album kicks off with the charming 'Plains of Kildare', the story of a talking racehorse, sung in grand style by Andy. Paul follows with 'Lough Erne shore', a classic Irish love ballad, beautifully delivered. Paul's version of the anti-recruiting ballad 'Arthur McBride' has become the standard by which other renditions are judged. 'Mary and the soldier', sung here by Paul, has found its way into the repertoire of contemporary folkie Lucy Kaplansky (on her FLESH AND BONE cd). There are several other standouts among the songs on this disc, but mention should also be made of the great instrumental tunes, where all the players are given a chance to shine. 'Fred Finn's reel/Sailing into Walpole's Marsh' contains some stunning interplay between Paul's guitar and the flying fiddle of Kevin Burke; and Donal Lunny's trademark bouzouki work is present throughout the disc. From beginning to end and back again, this is a disc that bears repeated listening, which will continue to be a milestone in Irish music. Amazon's buying info indicates that this disc is perhaps out of print, and as such, might be hard to find -- it's worth the search, believe me!

Above and Beyond the Call of Ireland:
I loaned the LP to someone in 1985 who never returned it; found the CD, play it every few weeks, and still find new things in it. Though 'classic' Irish ballads, jigs, and reels, the freshness and energy blow away the murk of uncertain, asphalt modern life through the inventive tonal and rhythmic mastery of all the artists, not just the leads. These folks are in touch with whatever it is in the Irish spirit that celebrates both life and death. Sure, and a grand thing it is, too! The solo 'Arthur McBride' from this album so impressed Bob Dylan that HE recorded it. Paul Brady wrote 'Luck of the Draw', title track of Bonnie Raitt's award winner some years back. The studio gave her a free hand to get whatever and whomever she wanted, and she picked Mr Brady's songs for two tracks. If Bonnie and Bob like this stuff, what more can I say? Some CDs have a good track or two to carry the rest of the vanilla pudding. Every cut here is smoked salmon, brown bread, fresh churned butter, and Guinness stout straight from the keg, with heady drams of powerful stuff for the wilting soul.

A Wonderful Album that Andy still likes!:
A wonderful album. The musicianship between these two is absolutely fantastic. But then it seems like no matter who Andy hooks up with ... he produces some wonderful work. I don't think I will ever tire of hearing Paul's rendition of "Arthur McBride" ... . Everyone else has covered Donal and Kevin's contributions...all terrific. ... I'm glad I got into Celtic music many years ago and have been able to treat my ears and mind to such wonderful stuff! 'nuff said? Buy the album.

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