New York-based traditional band Solas have been attracting a good deal of attention of late. One leading American critic has claimed that they seem "poised to join the elite of traditional bands", and the claim is not at all unreasonable. Their performance at Whelans (as part of their first tour of Ireland) provided ample evidence of their formidable talents. The five musicians who make up Solas are all gifted performers in their own right; combined, they form a tight and exhilarating ensemble. Fiddler Winifred Horan opened the proceedings with a dazzling solo jig. She is a precise, assertive player with a very attractive, warm tone. The group members joined together for the conclusion of this set.

Karan Casey came across as a confident, sensitive vocalist, equally at home on the fast and the slow tunes. She has very clear diction, a rare asset among singers. Multi-instrumentalist Seamus Egan played flute for most of the evening. Egan seems to have a strong musical understanding with Horan, as flute and fiddle formed an at times intricate partnership. He took up the banjo briefly (for the Big Wheel set) and played with a leisurely virtuosity. John Williams played some impressive accordion on the Tall Fiddlers set.

The whole ensemble drew its rhythmic and harmonic support from John Doyle's powerful guitar playing (Doyle also performed a solo ballad, echoing Paul Brady's early folk style).

Traditional music doesn't come much better than this. It's just a pity that Solas didn't pick a larger venue, as so many people had to be turned away.

Solas play another gig at the Mean Fiddler, Dublin, next Wednesday. Booking: 4758555