Gleann Nimhe – The Poison Glen

“Altan’s music has always been true to the roots from which it has grown, always injecting something new as they approach a set of tunes, or something beautiful when Mairead’s voice floats over slow air or a love song. This new album combines all of the freshness that is characteristic of this great band, together with a rare depth and purity that can only come from the souls of superb musicians.” -Bill Whelan

“Scholarly, sophisticated, equally spontaneous in session or in the studio, Altan, once more, enliven their great tradition, confound our expectations and draw us all home to Donegal.” – Stephen Rea, actor

“The twin peaks of Dermot Byrne’s accordion and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh’s voice and fiddle propel Altan into their 30th year. Byrne’s plaintive, high-lonesome tones define the shape of The Blackest Crow with Ní Mhaonaigh’s beatific vocals drawing the sorrowful tale ever skywards. Instrumentally, Altan have never sounded better or tighter. They’ve invited Belfast flute player Harry Bradley to join the fray, and his jagged-edged style adds a refreshing sharpness to several tunes, in particular the opening pair of slip jigs headlined by A Fig for a Kiss. Jimmy Higgins guests on bodhrán, punctuating tunes with his customary subtlety. Altan’s song choices are standouts in both Irish and English, and they commandeer the American ballad The Lily of the West as if it was a Gweedore native. This is richly layered musicianship shot through with a verve.” –The Irish Times

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