Perfect storm/pure drop
Doc Dave | Georgia | 11/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm embarrassed to admit that I had no idea, until today, that John Carty had joined Patrick Street back in 2005. For those who love Irish traditional music this was already a truly extraordinary lineup, with backgrounds intertwined among such iconic groups as Planxty, De Dannan and the Bothy Band. And now they've added the multi-talented John Carty. After blurting out a big "WOW!" my first thought was "but wait, they've already got one of the greatest fiddlers of all time in Kevin Burke...what are they going to do with another?" Yes, my feeble mind had forgotten for a moment that in addition to the fiddle, Carty is also masterful on both the flute and banjo. His contributions on each of these three instruments really add something special to the already full-bodied sound of Patrick Street. I can't wait to see them live.
Needless to say, I was thrilled to see this album come out. The tune selection is superb, with plenty of my old favorites like Paidin O'Raifeartaigh, Martin Wynne's, Jackie Coleman's, Mulvihill's, etc., as well as several others that I've never heard (or heard of), such as Malynn's Fancy and John Stenson's. Each is wonderful. While none seemed quite as lively as the most spirited numbers on the 1999 "Live from Patrick Street" CD, it is nevertheless evident that they're at the very top of their game on this thoroughly enjoyable recording. In short, "On the Fly" is a CD that is well worth owning.
I was saddened to hear that this may be the last Patrick Street album featuring Jackie Daly on the accordian. Both he and his sparkling talent will be sorely missed."
Irish trad music at its best
Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 02/12/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Another solid outing from this all-star Irish trad band. Kevin Burke, John Carty, Ged Foley and Andy Irvine simply soar on their instrumental numbers, while Irvine treats us to several of his patented brand of odd, arch historical ballads. The prize song here is "Sergeant Small," a bitter number from Australia about a migrant worker who is arrested for riding the rails, and his burning hatred for the policeman who brought him in -- strongly reminiscent of all those songs Irvine sings about nasty, black-hearted military men. He sings another couple of tunes of equal calibre, while Foley growls his way through "The Galway Shawl..." As I mentioned, the instrumental work is superb, some of the finest, liveliest, most soulful Celtic tunes you'll hear any time this year. If you like good, solid, real-deal Celtic trad, this record was made for you. (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue music reviews)"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1