The Green Fields of America

This Celtic music super-group, originally formed in '78, is the brainchild of renowned player/folklorist Mick Maloney. Looking to celebrate the best of Irish traditions in America (music, dance and voice), he enlisted the support of a revolving line-up of Irish America's best, setting sights on the concert/festival circuit, releasing this, and an earlier, recording. Liz Carroll, Michael Flatley, Eileen Ivers and Seamus Egan have all passed this way, resulting in a superb collection of Irish folk music that stirs the heart as it increases demand for Guinness. There are breathtaking numbers here: "The Islander's Lament" showcases the gentle vocals of Robbie O'Connell (Clancys); "Fahey's#25/Molly on the Shore/Bonnie Anne" is a blistering set of reels featuring Athena Turgis's fiddle, John Doyle's guitar and Mac Benford's banjo; and "In the Woods of Old Limerick/Felix the Cat/The Music Teacher" is a riveting trio of jigs that redefines the traditional on an inspirational level, with special attention due Billy McComiskey for his button accordion work. Yet it's the less stereotypical fare that hits hardest; John Doyle's vocals on "Across the Western Ocean" will draw a tear from anyone missing their homeland. And if Turgis's mournful fiddle doesn't get you, the gentle harmonies will.