Lunasa - The Merry Sisters of Fate

(May 2001) 11 tracks: Aoibhneas * Casu * Donogh and Mike’s * Iníon Ní Scannláin * Killarney Boys of Pleasure * Merry Sisters of Fate * Morning Nightcap * Paistín Fionn * Return from Fingal * Scully’s * The Minor Bee.

Lúnasa’s The Merry Sisters of Fate is another jewel in their crown. Their follow-up to 1999's Otherworld (Album of the Year in both the Irish Echo and the Irish Voice) is certain to solidify their current standing as the leaders of today’s Irish music scene.

Lúnasa are instantly recognizable whether the tune is traditional, borrowed or composed by a band member. The pulsating rhythm section, dueling flute and fiddle, and impressive piping are as innovative as they are true to the tradition. The eleven instrumental tracks featured on The Merry Sisters of Fate are lush and sophisticated.

A fantastically inventive and supremely talented group of musicians, fiddler Seán Smyth, flutist Kevin Crawford, bassist Trevor Hutchinson, guitarist Donogh Hennessy, and uillean piper Cillian Vallely have earned rave reviews worldwide.

Guest musicians include Ed Deane, Pat Fitzpatrick, Dave Hingerty, Miriam Ingram, David Odlum and Kieran Wilde. Instruments include clarinet, double bass, fiddles, flutes, guitar, harmonium, lap steel, piano, uilleann pipes and whistles.

"A jam band for Irish music lovers" (The New York Times)

"They bring a fiery, almost rock-like energy to their alluringly complex arrangements." (The Boston Globe)

"Ireland's Lúnasa are the new Celtic royalty." (The Boston Herald)