Rego Irish Records - Runaway Sunday

Out of print on cassette on Virgin (44559) - (D99). Altan: Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh (vocals, fiddle); Mark Kelly, Daithi Sproule (guitar, background vocals); Ciaran Tourish (fiddle, whistle, background vocals); Dermot Byrne (accordion, melodion); Ciaran Curran (bouzouki, bouzarre, mandolin, background vocals). Additional personnel: Jerry Douglas (dobro); Neil Martin (cello, keyboards); Matt Molloy (flute); Pat Crowley (piano); Donal Lunny (keyboards, bodhran); Stephen Cooney (fretless bass, didgeridoo); Jimmy Higgins (percussion); Alison Krauss (background vocals). Recorded at Thonabrocai, Ireland between September and October 1996; Totally Wired Studios, Dublin, Ireland in February 1997; Windmill Lane Studious, Dublin, Ireland in March 1997. Includes liner notes by Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh. Named for a lake in vocalist/fiddler Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh's native Donegal, Altan has firmly established itself as one of the foremost traditional bands in Irish music. RUNAWAY SUNDAY finds them continuing to expand their musical boundaries, in effect re-defining the very musical tradition from which they draw inspiration. Mixed in with the traditional tunes are lyrics and music composed by the band members themselves: "Time Has Passed," an ominous, slow song, and the languorous "A Moment In Time" are featured alongside dozens of traditional reels, jigs and songs whose histories stretch back centuries. A band of Altan's collective and individual might can command an equally impressive guest list. Flautist Matt Molloy of the Chieftains and The Bothy Band contributes, along with fellow Bothy Band alumnus and original Planxty member Donal Lunny. American bluegrass star Alison Krauss delivers some of her trademark vocals to RUNAWAY SUNDAY, creating yet another dimension in this modern (but ultimately respectful) take on the musical tradition of Ireland's north.