Anam Riptide CD

Like a riptide - a crashing together of currents and winds - the four young members of Anam have sailed in from far corners of the Celtic world to converge in Edinburgh, Scotland, home of a heady traditional music scene. Wonderful new voices, expressive songs and a cache of newly-written tunes make Riptide one of the freshest albums we've heard in a long time. Guitarist Brian hEadra from Dublin contributes new songs in both English and Irish Gaelic, joining harmonies with singer Aimée Leonard from the Orkney Islands. Aimée reclaims two beautiful classics, Mary and the Soldier and Westlin' Winds, her bell-like voice as clear and strong as seaglass. Neil Davey is a fabulously talented string player on mandolin and bouzouki, composing many of the instrumentals with a flavor of his native Cornwall, and Dubliner Treasa Harkins plays an exuberant accordion.

With top-notch production by Calum Malcolm (Capercaillie, Prefab Sprout) and a fleet of superb special guests: Tannahill Weavers fiddler John Martin, Rory McLeod on harmonica, and the buoyant rhythm section of Shooglenifty, among others - Riptide is a bright comer from a spirited and confident band.