Speech Project One Fine Day Records****

Who knew that accordionist Joe Cooley spoke in B flat minor and a slip jig rhythm? Musical inspiration comes from the unlikeliest of sources, and Mancunian/Donegal fiddler Gerry Diver chases down his fair share of them in Speech Project. Taking interviews with musicians including Cooley, Martin Hayes, Margaret Barry and Christy Moore, Diver teases out their natural cadences, toying with them musically in the most compelling ways. Shane MacGowan's lengthy contribution is a revelation of spoken word insights into the Irish diaspora, rendered all the more edgy by Diver's echoic orchestrated accompaniment. He uses the grammar of formal composition to create three-dimensional stories, often looping key phrases to dramatically heightened effect. Less successful are Diver's work on excerpts that merely tiptoe around the speaker. Mostly, though, he shadowboxes with splendid intent. speech project.net

Download tracks: Sincerely Felt, Old Time Musicians