Rego Irish Records - The Well Below the Valley

Some traditional Irish groups, such as the Chieftains, focus on instrumental music, while others such as the Clancy Brothers focus almost exclusively on singing. Planxty strove for a balance between voice and instrument. Thanks mostly to the brilliant Uilleann piper Liam O'Flynn, in their '70s heyday the band appealed to both purists and casual listeners. THE WELL BELOW THE VALLEY displays the subtleties of the group's music, as well as their wonderful ability to wail on traditional reels, jigs, hornpipes, and slip-jigs. The former is epitomized by their rendition of "Pat Reilly," and the latter is best evidenced by their versions of the reels "The Dogs Among the Bushes" and "Jenny's Wedding," which are played as a medley. A strongly traditional album, THE WELL BELOW THE VALLEY is probably Planxty's most compelling release.