The first in the series of my album review featuring Celtic band from the Czech Republic. Poitin is indeed getting global attention and the proof is when their tune The Congress Reel appeared in Sherlock Holmes:A Game of Shadows.
The running sound of the bodhran during the opening of the track The Congress Reel is enough to drive one nuts with its irresistible beat and the breakneck speed on how the instruments are played. It is a thumping beat that won’t just let one sit there. You have to move to the music! Poitin have come a long way since this debut recording was released in the year 2000. Now they are getting a lot of attention all over Europe and the UK.
The cover artwork is designed by Jeremy King, the band’s lead musician/vocalist. This album is eclectic, combining music origin from Irish, Scottish, Breton and French. According to Jeremy:
‘It was the first time in a studio for most of us, and we were a bit apprehensive, but it didn’t take long for us to get to like the experience. The recording took three weekends, and the mixing a further two. Most of the instrumental tunes we recorded in one take, so if somebody messed up, we had to start again from the beginning- not a pleasant task! Some tracks went easier than others. For example, Vladar we got in one take and Laird of Cockpen in two. But on the other hand, Gloomy Winter’s Noo Awa’ must have taken about twenty attempts. Tyna had to drink gallons of some horrible throat gargle, but in the end I hope you’ll agree it was worth it!’
I like Jeremy’s sense of humor. And I think his way of taking things with humor is responsible for the steady climb of the band’s success not just in the internet but also offline as they have been getting responses all around. Apart from being a musician, he is also a great supporter of Celtic music in general. He doesn’t hesitate to post updates and also re post news from his online friends.
This first album is well made. All tracks are played in an excellent way considering that no layering happened here. All tracks are played live. The second song Gloomy Winter’s Noo’ Awa is a slow air with Tyna Frankova’s haunting voice. I love the presence of recorders in this album because it adds a Shakespearean essence to it.
Other favorites are Si Mors a Mort Breton track, Carolan’s Ramble to Cashell with its amazing harp playing that’s flawlessly delivered. Bodhran Solo from track 6 is powerful and though it is a short piece it stops you on your tracks. To be honest, there is no dull track here. Everything has been arranged carefully to create a balanced listening experience. I am an album guy and I prefer to listen to the entire album than just single tracks. I think the drama created during the ordering of tracks is just as important as the production itself. This album is a must for Celtic music fans and collectors.
Irish “tavern” tune from Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows score, used in fight scene during Watson’s last night of bachelorhood. Not included in the official soundtrack. Title: Poitin – The Congress Reel (recorded in 2000).
Tracks:
1. The Congress Reel
2. Gloomy Winter’s Noo’ Awa’
3. The Sea/Planxty Eleanor Plunkett/Planxty Maggie Browne
4. Si Mors a Mort
5. The Laird O’ Cockpen
6. Carolan’s Ramble to Cashell
7. Bodhran Solo
8. Grasou Mat Pier
9. Lover’s Ghost
10. TheDunmoreLassies/Trip to Sligo/Tom Billy’s No.2
11. Silvestrik
12. Vlada?
13. Carolan’s Draught
14. The Old Hag in the Kiln/Morrison’s Jig/Scatter the Mud
15. Spanish Lady
16. Do Tamborin Poirt/Swallowtail Jig/Gaius
You can buy the album from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Poit%C3%ADn/dp/B007L7V8PQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1334671097&sr=1-6
Celtic Music Fan 