Patrick Street – On The Fly

On the Fly is Patrick Street’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 not only captures successfully Patrick Street’s transitions but heralds another exciting new direction for the band
A new energy … Patrick Street sounds like a band with something to prove. Boston Herald
Impeccable … the best on the market. The Newry Reader