"Frankie's Set", Horan, McAuley & O'Caoimh

"Frankie's Set", performed by Winifred Horan, Mick McAuley & Colm O'Caoimh (www.mcauleyhoranocaomimh.com) at the Institute of Musical Traditions (www.imtfolk.org), Takoma Park, Maryland, USA on November 14, 2012.

Long-time Solas members Mick McAuley and Winifred Horan have joined forces with the amazing Kilkenny-born guitarist Colm O'Caoimh to bring you their new release Sailing Back to You.

Solas has long been heralded as one of the most innovative and exciting bands to emerge on the Irish music scene over the last two decades and have been cited "the best traditional band in the world" by the Boston Herald while the New York Times praised them as "a five-piece of extraordinary instrumental and vocal fire-power".
So when Mick McAuley and Winifred Horan released their first duet album "Serenade" in 2006, it was received with much anticipation and widespread critical acclaim, being voted into the Top 5 Irish albums of 2006 by The Irish Times. Now Mick and Winifred have teamed up with the dynamic young guitarist, Colm O'Caoimh for their new album "SAILING BACK TO YOU".

Colm, who is a founding member of the steadily rising Irish group Caladh Nua, (meaning New Harbour) has spent the last few years touring extensively throughout Europe and Canada. A musician of supreme talent and versatility, Colm brings to the project his own unique style of tune backing while complimenting the gentler vocal numbers and enhancing the subtleties of Winifred's unmistakable fiddle sound.

Throw in Mick's vocal and instrumental talents and special guest Chico Huff's genius on the bass, and it all goes to make for a beautiful musical journey, sometimes haunting and soulful, other times joyful and exhilarating. The album opens with a traditional French tune called Les Amantes Infideles that has the flavours of a smoky Paris cafe, while tracks like the tasteful cover of the Low Anthem's Charlie Darwin bring a unique realism and honesty to the album. And, of course, there are instrumental reels, jigs and airs, both original and traditional, to drive it all on.

Sound: Dave Eisner, Dave Richardson

Camera: Dick Tufts, Jim Ralph, Ralph Lillie

Editing: Ralph Lillie

© 2012, Institute of Musical Traditions