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CD of The Week *****

The arc of the bow and the delicate musicality of the four fiddle strings are celebrated with a rare mix of virtuosity and sheer joie de vivre on 3. Ciarán Ó Maonaigh and Aidan O’Donnell already sizzled on their 2008 duo debut, Fidil . Now, just 18 months later, they’ve morphed their debut CD title to herald the arrival of a fiddling trio, with fellow Donegal player Damien McGeehan joining their ranks.

Fiddle trios are a rare sighting in the traditional music firmament, and Fidil have carved a niche. Their sound soars with a confidence born of an intense love affair with their Donegal inheritance. The highlands set, The Laddie With the Pladdie , epitomises the rootedness of Fidil’s music, its accent clearly defining the shape of the tunes. Yet the interplay of the three fiddlers’ personalities propels it into the present, where they can make it their own, as they might turn a piece of long-cherished wood on a lathe.

However, this is no straight-up collection for traditional music lovers. Fidil’s reading of the descriptive piece, The Hunt of the Hound and the Hare , could be a masterclass in the avant-garde, with its bold and sassy excavation of the excitement and terror of the hunt, animated by an indelible curiosity about the experience of both hunter and hunted. Even a well-worn reel such as The Pigeon at the Gate is invigorated by the pirouetting interplay of the three fiddles.

Here is a place where strings are plucked and caressed, tickled and swept into fresh air by three exceptional and ambitious musicians who still cosset the music of their home place with unyielding affection. 3 is a masterclass in the marriage of tradition and musical exploration, and a milestone in traditional music. www.fidilmusic.com

SIOBHAN LONG

One of the most challenging and beautifully austere albums of the last fifty years.” (Sean Laffey, Irish Music Magazine)

Described as simply “Stunning!" (Rod Stradling – www.mustrad.org.uk), and “Mind-blowing” (www.allcelticmusic.com), Fidil are rapidly forging a reputation for exhilarating and challenging music that draws on the rich heritage of their native place. Their music making is marked by an intricate and intelligent approach that still manages to maintain the element of fiery exhuberance that is the hallmark of traditional fiddle music from Donegal. This is traditional music for the 21st century-mindful of its origins but breathtakingly exciting in its ambition and delivery.

Fidil are:

Aidan O’Donnell

From Dunkineely, Co.Donegal, Aidan has been described as one of the finest young Irish musicians at present. He began his music making at the age of 12, and since then has performed with some of traditional music’s finest artists, including Donal Lunny, Micheal Ó’ Suilleabháin and the Chieftains. In 2007, he won the prestigious ‘Oireachtas na Geailge’ fiddle title, and has been a regular tutor at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, at the University of Limerick for the past number of years. He released his critically acclaimed debut album in 2006, with Mayo flute player Kieran Munnelly, called ‘In Safe Hands’, which has been described as ‘a salute to the players who have gone before’ (Matt Molloy, The Chieftains).

“Aidan’s incredible technical ability combined with his deep love of the music of his ancestors will see him become one of the most influential Donegal fiddle players of this generation.” (Siobhán Peoples)

“He is a first-rate musician, with a dry wit that merely embellishes his tunes further.” (Siobhan Long- Irish Times)

Ciarán Ó Maonaigh

TG4 young musician of the Year 2003, fiddle player Ciarán Ó Maonaigh hails from the Gaoth Dobhair gaeltacht in Co. Donegal. He was heavily influenced by his extended family when growing up including his teacher Francie Mooney, Altan members Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Frankie Kennedy, Derry fiddle player Dermot McLaughlin as well as the Donegal fiddle legend John Doherty amongst others.

Ciarán, a 3 time Oireachtas fiddle champion, released his first album Ceol a’Ghleanna/The Music of the Glen (SPINCD1008) on the Claddagh Records label in 2004 and he has also produced numerous music documentarys for Irish TV stations RTÉ & TG4.

“His ability and appetite to play the music in all its bare-boned glory sets Ciarán Ó Maonaigh apart. Ceol a'Ghleanna/Music Of The Glen is a superb snapshot of his home place. Heart and soul in abundance, bravado nowhere to be seen.” (Siobhan Long- Irish Times)

“One of Ireland's most prodigious fiddling talents,” (Geoff Wallis – The Rough Guide to Irish Music)

Damien McGeehan

Damien began playing Irish traditional music at the age of seven. Citing the Donegal style of fiddling as his main influence, hé has toured Ireland, Great Britain, Italy, Australia and Scandanavia. He has made numerous appearances on national/international television and radio and has performed alongside acts such as The Chieftains, Niall Keegan, Michael O’ Suilleabháin, Frankie Gavin, Eileen Ivers and The World Youth Chamber Orchestra to name but a few.

Damien has studied at the R.S.A.M.D. (Glasgow) and has recently achieved a BA in Irish Music at The Irish World Academy of Music, University of Limerick.

“Damien McGeehan is one of the brightest lights ascendant in the worlds of Donegal and Irish fiddle music. He is dragging the Donegal fiddle into the twenty first century through his personal exploration of his own roots and other fiddle traditions through the world. The excitement and energy of his playing is only matched by his precision, sensitivity and musicality. Go hear him while you can still afford admission!” (Niall Keegan, The University of Limerick)

Ciarán Ó Maonaigh & Aidan O’Donnell’s album – “fidil”, which was the genesis of the group, was released in June 2008 to critical acclaim and was described as “One of the most challanging and beautifully austere albums of the last fifty years.” (Sean Laffey, Irish Music Magazine). In that same month they had a full program of “The Full Set” dedicated to them on RTÉ 1 television.

Fidil (FID001CD) is available from www.claddaghrecords.ie

For more info see www.fidilmusic.com and www.myspace.com/fidilcd

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