A recent release reviewed

SIOBHÁN ARMSTRONG
Cláirseach Na hÉireann - The Harp of Ireland Maya Recordings ****

The pedestrian title does it no favours, nor does the prospect of hearing an album of the early Irish wire strung harp. Yet, Siobhán Armstrong's solo début is a cavernous joy to behold (having already contributed to an eclectic repertoire, from the soundtrack of The Merchant Of Venice to a collection of South American baroque music). This harp is an animal of enthralling demeanour, its wire strings creating a space that'll lure the most neophyte of listeners in. From Armstrong's louche reading of Da Mihí Manum, taking repossession of Planxty's adopted Tabhair Dom Do Lámh, to the shared harp lines and sean nós singing of Bríd Ní Mhaoilchiaráin on Seabhac na hÉirne, this is a stark reminder that great music need heed no boundaries. www.irishharp.org

Siobhán Long