On The Fly - Patrick Street

Patrick Street - On The Fly
CD Loftus Music 2007

Patrick Street
Kevin Burke, Andy Irvine, Ged Foley and John Carty, with Jackie Daly

Tracks:
Slip Jigs: Na Ceannabhain Bhana (The Little Fair Canavans)/Paidin O Raifeartaigh
Reels:Martin Wynne's/Jackie Coleman's/Malynn's Fancy
Song: Sergeant Small
Jigs: Happy to Meet Sorry to Part/Old Apples in Winter/Cherish the Ladies
Air/Jig: Seanamhac Tube Station
Song: The Rich Irish Lady
Reels: Down the Broom/The Gatehouse Maid/Mulvihill's
Song: The Galway Shawl
Hornpipes: The Long Acre/"Cuz" Teahan's
Song: Erin Go Bragh
Polkas: The Return of Spring/The Mountain Path
Reels: The Boys of Malin/John Stenson's Nos 1 & 2

�Patrick Street are this decade's answer to The Bothy Band and Planxty: master musicians whose molecules have merged so intrinsically with the music that it's hard to tell musician and music apart. � Siobh�n Long, The Irish Times
ON THE FLY is the new album from celebrated traditional Irish band PATRICK STREET, on Loftus Music. Now in their third decade, Patrick Street are considered �the Irish supergroup� with musical heritages dating straight back to The Bothy Band, Planxty and De Dannan. The new CD indicates the opening of an exciting new chapter for the group, as well as a change in one of its longest-running line-ups. Renowned accordion player and founding member Jackie Daly has decided to step down from the 'street,� and leaves us with some dynamic playing on the album. Meanwhile, respected multi-instrumentalist and newest member John Carty makes his Patrick Street recording debut.
On the Fly is the band's eleventh release and perhaps the most profoundly traditional, with many of the tunes rooted in the rural music of County Sligo. Both John Carty and Kevin Burke spent their early years there, soaking up music that the wider world learned mainly from recordings. Now considered two of the finest fiddlers of their generations, they team up here for some thrilling sets of tunes. John's imaginative phrasing and Kevin's silky tone joyfully portray the rhythmic ebb and flow of the swift, rolling Sligo music on which they were raised.
Carty and Burke each contribute an original tune as well: Kevin's airy hornpipe �The Long Acre� and John's haunting piece 'seanamhac Tube Station.� And John's banjo and flute playing is a welcome addition, greatly broadening the group's range of sound.
Andy Irvine has been with Patrick Street since the group formed 22 years ago. Well established as one of Irish music's leading singers, his compelling canon of material draws across time and borders. For On the Fly, Andy also chooses traditional songs: the powerful Scottish �Erin go Bragh,� �The Rich Irish Lady� learned from his early influence Peggy Seeger, and 'sergeant Small,� an Australian song of migrant workers which mirrors the American experience. The quality of Andy's singing, his virtuoso playing on bouzouki and mandolin, and the unique arrangements combine for some his best performances in years.
On the Fly features Ged Foley's typically excellent guitar work. He also contributes a striking new interpretation of the well-known Irish song �The Galway Shawl,� and adds his skills in arranging and producing. Jackie Daly offers his �farewell� to the group with a set of polkas � a hallmark of his Patrick Street legacy � and a set of reels, both prominently featuring his distinctive accordion style.
On the Fly not only captures successfully Patrick Street's transitions but heralds another exciting new direction for the band.