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PAUDIE O CONNOR & JOHN O'BRIEN

Wind & Reeds Claddagh records ****

Accordion and pipes are seldom heard in duet, but Sliabh Luachra box player Paudie O'Connor and Dublin piper John O'Brien bring a lovely vitality and freshness to the pairing. The Ducks in the Oats, their version of the jig, is particularly intriguing as they explore the darker corners of the tune, while O'Brien's superbly controlled reading of the slow air Raghadsa's mo Cheaitíshowcases the grandeur of the pipes beautifully. By choosing mostly Sliabh Luachra tunes, O'Connor wisely allows himself free rein to delve deep into the accent of his home place. Even the pair's choice of duelling whistles for the pair of reels, Cnoc na bPoll , makes perfect sense by letting the tunes speak for themselves. Jim Murray's guitar accompaniment is subtle and sensitive, too. www.windandreeds. com

Download track: The Gneeveguilla Polka