Deanta - Whisper of a Secret

(1997) 12 tracks: Two Days to Go, Willie and Mary, The Usual Suspects Paddy and the Bandit, Lone Shanakyle, Waltz of the White Lilies, At the Crossroads, The Blacksmith, Cogair Ruin, The Druid's Mountain, Where Are You, Scarta Glen Road.

Specializing in the 'elegant side of the tradition', Deanta (pronounced 'Jaunt-a') enchants listeners with harp-driven instrumentals, intricate arrangements, and the sweet, strong voice of All-Ireland champion singer Mary Dillon.

Dillon bestows surprising depth and range to her songs, and has chosen rarely recorded gems from past centuries, along with heartrending versions of The Blacksmith and Andy M Stewart's lament, Where Are You?.

A majority of the instrumental tunes are originals by band members or their friends * all are stunningly arranged, incorporating touches of cello, harp, uilleann pipes and saxophone as well as the more expected combination of driving fiddles, flutes, bouzouki and percussion.

The overall pace of Whisper of a Secret is unusual for an Irish album: stately, rather than blistering, and this too enhances the band's sound.

Featuring Mary Dillon, Deirdre Havlin, Rosie Mulholland, Kate O'Brien, Clodagh Warnock, Neil Martin, Richie Buckley and Mario N'Goma.