Keyboard player, Liam Bradley, is one of the most important performers in the stepdance world, but he is also a member of Beoga, one of Ireland’s freshest traditional bands. Other members are Sea Oh Graham and Damian McKee, accordion; Eamon Murray, bodhran and Niamh Dunne, fiddle. The band is open influences of jazz and world music, but always returns to its traditional roots. Standout tracks include the jazz influenced Funk, which, to the contrary, is a happy upbeat tune. Another misnamed tune, Amsterdam Blues, which does show a blues influence, still maintains an upbeat tempo and ends with a fast reel on the accordion. The one slow air August 27th explores the melodic aspect of the accordion. The album closes with A Lovely Madness a matching of the fiddle and accordion.A great upbeat and fun CD.

BBR 505 CD $16