Patrick Street CD Review
Patrick Street
On the Fly
Loftus Music LM002
***
Predictable fare from the ever-popular Irish group
The eleventh release from the established traditional Irish group Patrick Street marks something of a crossroads in the band’s evolution. There’s a parting shot from departing accordionist and founder member Jackie Daly, plus a welcome for multi-instrumental new addition John Carty, contributing fiddle, flute and banjo. Kevin Burke (fiddle), Ged Foley (guitar, vocal) and Andy Irvine (mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, harmonica, vocal) supply the rest of the group’s mellifluous sound. Formed 22 years ago, the ensemble turns their attention with this release to the traditional rural music of County Sligo, where both Burke and Carty spent their formative years. For me their smooth, breezy delivery of jigs, reels, hornpipes (including one composed by Burke) and polkas lacks character and consequently charm, but their instrumental skill is indisputable.
Reflective songs The Galway Shawl, The Rich Irish Lady (learned by Irvine from a Peggy Seeger recording), the Scottish Erin Go Bragh and Australian migrant worker narrative Sergeant Small offer a little more personality than the merry but mechanical instrumental tracks. Irvine and Foley’s gentle vocal style however, means that the songs are frequently soothing but rarely moving; a lost opportunity for much-needed emotional engagement. That said Patrick Street’s success and longevity are proof that there exists a sizeable audience for their particular unassuming take on Irish traditional music. ON THE FLY seems unlikely to attract new fans, but will no doubt be of much greater interest to long-time enthusiasts. Helen Carney