T With The Maggies

T with the Maggies started as a one-off collaboration between Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill, Moya Brennan (of Clannad), Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh (of Altan), and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill (of the Bothy Band). They were brought together by Roise Goan (Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill's daughter) for a performance at the Temple Bar Trad Festival in Dublin, and the musical chemistry was such that the collaboration continued. It eventually resulted in this album, which consists of new songs written by members of the quartet (some in English and some in Gaelic) along with a version of Richard Thompson's "Farewell Farewell." Much of the singing is in unison and even the uptempo numbers are curiously subdued; the arrangements are subtly idiosyncratic, and include such instruments as the djembe, Hardanger fiddle, and, apparently, a yardstick. Exotic percussion is prominent on both the very pretty "Cuach Mo Londubh Bui" and the equally lovely "Biodh Orm Anocht," both of which are sung in a lightly dancing jig time; "Mother Song" creates a highly unusual musical texture by giving Celtic harp and piano a melody to play in unison, and by alternating solo voices with unison vocals by the whole group. The only track that falls somewhat flat is "Farewell Farewell," on which the lead vocals are curiously tremulous and breathy; the song doesn't pick up any real steam until the others join in behind them. Overall, though, this is a solidly winning album that fans of these singers will be sure to enjoy.