Turas

Shantalla's new CD Turas – an Irish word meaning journey – is packed with traditional, original and contemporary songs and tunes, with influences from both sides of the Atlantic. Ten years after the release of their second CD, the original five members of Shantalla have been joined by bouzouki & guitar player Simon Donnelly. Uilleann pipes, fiddle, viola, accordion, flute, whistles, guitars, bouzouki, and bodhrán all combine with the wonderful voice of Helen Flaherty to recreate the trademark Shantalla sound. The band is joined on the CD by several guests, including Luka Aubri-Krieger on Slideridoo, Philip Masure on percussion, Lorcan Fahy on mandolin and Meghan and Hannah Murray on backing vocals. Reviews: "The Irish/Scottish band Shantalla is back. They start off with a breathtaking interpretation of the traditional Scottish song "The Braemer Poacher". Helen Flaherty's beautiful singing and Michael Horgan's virtuoso uilleann pipes and flute playing are driven by an intoxicating guitar-bodhràn rhythm. Karine Polwart's melancholic ballad "Whaur dae ye lie?" is brought forward by Flaherty with much emotion and accompanied by Kieran Fahy on fiddle, Gerry Murray on accordion and Joe Hennon on guitar. Another perfect showcase for Flaherty's hauntingly beautiful voice is the traditional "Fair & tender Maidens"; bouzouki rhythm, brilliant whistle playing, accordion, fiddle and pipes join in to create an incredible sound. But the band also play some fantastic instrumental sets. "John Doherty's" starts off as a slow reel, accelerates the pace and finishes with awesome playing together of pipes, fiddle, accordion and whistle and "Marching in jig time" is a striking combination of the two dance rhythms. Another highlight is the final set "The Hut". Beginning with the accordion leading the tune, the other instruments join in and play their solos by turns, you can't but move to the rhythm. Shantalla are some of the finest musicians in the traditional folk scene and the fans will adore their new album. " © Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup , Folkworld (Germany)