RÓISÍN ELSAFTY
Má bhíonn tú liom bí liom
VERTCD080

This diverse, impressive collection, produced by Dónal Lunny, includes items from contemporary oral tradition, from printed sources and two newly composed songs, one in Irish and one in English. Additionally, one of the traditional items, ‘A Mhuire na nGrás,’ a traditional prayer for protection from Mary, more usually known as a poem, has been set to music in a style reminiscent of old-time Appalachian singing, acknowledging a well-known musical affinity in a stylish, understated manner.

The assured quality and Connemara roots of Róisín Elsafty’s voice are apparent throughout, and nowhere more so than in the great Iorras Aithneach or Carna versions of ‘Róisín Dubh’ of which she sings just three verses, and in ‘Eileanóir a Rún’. Other tracks from one of her regions of heritage include light hearted items such as ‘Pota Mór Fataí’, ‘Píopa Ainde Mhóir’ ‘Mo Cheallachín Fionn’, ‘Cúnla’ and ‘Casadh an tSúgáin,’ from which a line of the chorus provides the CD’s title. The strategy of balancing rhythmic songs with the slower rubato melodies that are regarded as the true heart of sean-nós singing, creates a contrast that successfully draws attention to the latter’s sweeping melodies and complex melismatic decoration, persuading the listener to return to these. The two afore-mentioned items are sung unaccompanied, but, unusually for a rubato piece in the West Galway style, ‘Coinleach Glas an Fhómhair’ is treated to sensitive accompaniment, arranged by Lunny and Elsafty, by the RTÉ concert orchestra with Proinsias Ó Duinn conducting.

On other tracks, exemplary instrumental support is provided by greats such as Ronan Browne, Máirtín O’Connor, Graham Henderson and Lunny himself. The singer’s brother Hassan features on Egyptian tabla and her sisters, Naisrín and Zahrah provide backing vocals. Three tracks in particular stand out for this reviewer in an album full of good things. John Spillane’s ‘Poor Weary Wanderer’ is sung with a wistful pathos perfectly matching its mood. Plangent notes continue in ‘Síle Bheag Ní Chonnalláin,’ breathing new life into this wonderful melody and text from Bunting. Siobhán Armstrong’s accompaniment on the wire-strung Irish harp is superb. ‘Alí: Dílleachtín gan bhrí,’ about a young Iraqi boy, orphaned and crippled by war, is also major highlight. Composed by Treasa Ní Cheannabháin, Róisín Elsafty’s mother, this elemental song packs a tremendous lift, further enhanced by the alternating chorus in Arabic and Irish, despite its harrowing theme.