The Leitrim Equation2 Claddagh Records***

In 2009, Dervish took up Leitrim County Council's challenge of a traditional- music residency. This followed a highly successful sojourn in the same county by Lúnasa, spawning the first Leitrim Equation. Two years on, and The Leitrim Equation2celebrates the vitality of the county's traditional music with a collection that creaks at the seams with vigour, populated by a swathe of local players and singers. What's most striking about this collection is the organic quality of the musicianship. Anchored by Dervish themselves, and by the grand master of Leitrim fiddling, Ben Lennon, there's a healthy infusion of Leitrim flute playing to showcase the rhythmic, breathy style of the region. As much a public-service initiative as a distillation of local musical endowments, The Leitrim Equation2will lure many a nascent musician and singer from this most genteel of counties closer to the tradition. A welcome collaboration. See leitrimarts.ie