I enjoyed listening to Spanish Point by a young musician by the name of Kevin Meehan. He is from Dublin and is making quite a loud splash in the traditional Irish music scene. Spanish Point is one debut album that never disappoints. The beautifully realized tracks flow in a well-engineered recording that highlights all the instruments. You will also appreciate the sound dynamics as Spanish Point is an album with less clutter and more substance.
So how did Spanish Point came to be? According to Meehan: “Spanish Point is my debut tin whistle album that I have been working on with the lads for the past few years. A lot of the music and tunes on this record have been inspired by locations of great traditional music importance such as Clare, The University of Limerick, and Glasgow. I hope you all enjoy listening to my first complete musical release, and I look forward to sharing more original music as time goes on.”
If you are curious about the musicians who backed this recording, you will be in for a delightful surprise:

Shane Mccartan – Guitar/Electric Guitar 

Niall Preston – Bodhrán 

Alex Borwick – Trombone/ Synth/ Electric Guitar 

Sean O’Meara – Guitar 

Donal Donnelly – Fiddle

Benedict Morris – Fiddle 

Patrick Meehan – Bodhrán

Cein Daly – Electric Bass 

Bill Blackmore – Trumpet 

Ella McGrory – Piano 

Robbie Walsh – Bodhrán

Cathal Murphy – Drums 

Conor Broderick – Piano/Wurlitzer 

Paul Fegan – Bodhrán

Cathal Croke – Uilleann Pipes 

Trevor Hutchinson – Upright bass 

Now, these musicians played in different tracks, sometimes taking turns and also playing other instruments that suit each way. There are simple tracks, some demand for a bigger sound like in the case of The Living Bridge. Altan and Danú come to mind. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh has something good to say about this debut album: “Skillfully weaving traditional and contemporary sounds with technical brilliance, Kevin Meehan’s music sparkles with pure joy” – Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh (Danú)

Spanish Point is now out via Spotify and other media.

Artist bio:

Hailing from County Dublin Kevin Meehan is a current trailblazer in the modern traditional Scene. He may be only in his early 20s but already he has become a master of the whistle, pushing the instrument to its limits in a new and fresh direction. Kevin has recently released his debut album ‘Spanish Point’ which includes a mixture of exciting traditional Scottish tunes and energetic new compositions inspired by landmark locations in Ireland. The album features a collective of sixteen guest musicians from around Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand and was recorded by Alex Borwick and produced by Alex, Kevin and Shane McCartan over a period of four years. Kevin’s album has drawn inspiration from the vibrant Irish and Scottish music scenes. His composition ‘Spanish Point’ sets a high standard for a debut album which will stand to him for years to come. Kevin is now excited to launch his own solo career with his new album and band. “Skillfully weaving traditional and contemporary sounds with technical brilliance, Kevin Meehan’s music sparkles with pure joy” – Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh

Warm, present, and charismatic, these are the characteristics of Allison Crowe’s strong contralto voice. Even when her music is not part of your genre collection, you can’t deny the fact that such a voice has a compelling power. She knows how to use her instrument with the same grace as that of an operatic singer. She dips into her notes, light as a butterfly, and plunges at them with an eagles ferocity. You can’t ignore it.

News of a double release in the same month is a joy to her strong fanbase. It’s also refreshing as I listen to them with a different thought in mind. I was surprised that these tracks have her signature but, somehow, took a distinct bend in terms of arrangements and delivery.
Six More Songs is an EP that is heavily influenced by Blue Grass, Folk, Americana, and Celtic. This is not unexpected considering the kind of artists she worked within this album:
Allison Crowe the leading artist (on vocals, piano, cello, guitar, fiddle, Seaboard and more);
Sarah Melanie White (mandolin, bouzouki, vocals+);
Dave Baird (bass); &
Keelan Purchase (accordion, guitar, harmonica, vocals).
These musicians have their fantastic track record. In terms of their releases and also with the bands they collaborated with. So, this is a stable release with excellent arrangements and lush performance, and even cinematic atmosphere.

Pillars is another album that contains the same lineup of artists. It has the same candor of Six Songs but with a couple of surprises. First of all, I am a Janis Ian fan. Her cover of At Seventeen gave me goosebumps. It is so fitting, considering that she never stayed away from the delivery of the original. She also offered a few surprises on top of her sweet and sonorous voice. Other tracks also stand out with their gifts and appeal. If you like Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and Judy Collins, then take note. These two releases will sate your longing-if, not for the music, then for Allison Crowe’s voice alone.

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This is the first time I got an exclusive album package from the band. I have to tell you, the packaging is amazing. It’s supported by the British Council for the arts. I am a fan of physical media. The same reason why I am now collecting vinyl records. You get the sense of what’s to come by judging through the packaging. You know that the artists and the people involved in the album gave their hearts and thoughts to creating a su[erb experience.

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