By Graham Lees

RCA 09026 63971 2

Ireland's Chieftains are towering legends of Irish folk music and eminently respected musicians worldwide. Recorded at the Sound Emporium Studio, Nashville in April and May 2002, the Nashville Sessions brings The Chieftains together with some of the most celebrated names in country and bluegrass music. Names such as Alison Krauss - "Molly Ban (Bawn)", Martina McBride with the delightful "I'll Be All Smiles Tonight" and the exquisite vocals of Patty Griffin found on "Whole Heap Of Little Horses", stand next to the godfather of banjo players Earl Scruggs, who lets rip on "Sally Goodin". Find some of the best musicians in country music such as Matt Rollings, Glenn Worf, Tim O'Brien, Barry Bales, Glen Duncan and many, many more. Husband and wife team Buddy & Julie Miller can be found on "Country Blues" and Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings are here with "Katie Dear".

The musical heritage of country and bluegrass stretches back to the early days of British and Irish immigrants (along with other European countries) who took their traditional music with them to the New World. With this memorable album, the Chieftains re-form Ireland's ties with the musical heritage of the heartland of America.

Opening with the lively traditional "Down Old Plank The Road", John Hiatt, Bela Fleck, Jeff White and Tim O'Brien get us off to a rousing start with this title track. Bluegrass giants The Del McCoury Band can be found on "Rain and Snow", while Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder join in with the excitement on "Cindy". Vince Gill joins in with his distinctive vocals on Merle Travis' song "Dark As A Dungeon", while Lyle Lovett thrills with the haunting "Don't Let The Deal Go Down". Rip it up with Jeff White and the "Tennessee Stud", while the whole sheebang is brought to a close with a ten minute eighteen second jam session and "Give The Fiddle A Dram".

Bluegrass, country, folk who cares! This is superior and quality music at its finest. 14 tracks...surely there has to be a Grammy nomination lurking somewhere here. You don't get better than this. Simply splendid!!!

Graham Lees, Dewesbury, W.Yorks Write to | Website

2 Jan 2003