Slainte Mhath

One of the Greentrax Recordings top sellers of the year 2001.

(June 2001) 9 tracks: Brucie and The Troopers * Prophecy * Jug Jammin’ * Blast O’ Tunes * Si Bheag, Si Mhor * Jenga Stick * Big Jigs * The Last One * Congress.

Slainte Mhath's unique, progressive Celtic sound is achieved partly through the use of a variety of unusual instruments including Latin percussion. The band members' backgrounds are diverse and they draw on a range of influences, including their Celtic and Acadian heritage and modern-day pop culture to achieve their innovative style.

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, is very rich in both music and musicians and many artists have emerged on to the international arena from this beautiful island. Slainte Mhath (pronounced slawn-cha va) are already well on their way to joining such talent as Natalie MacMaster, The Rankins and The Barra MacNeils as Cape Breton's top musical exports.

Slainte Mhath are Lisa Gallant (bodhran, fiddle and step-dancing), Boyd MacNeil (octave mandolin, fiddle, banjo and percussion), Ryan MacNeil (keyboards and percussion), Brian Talbot (drums and percussion) and John MacPhee (Highland bagpipes, Scottish smallpipes and Reel pipes).

Wild jigs, reels and hornpipes, led by pipes and fiddle, accompanied by driving Cape Breton-style piano and percussion, plus the occasional outburst of step-dancing - an album bursting with the energy of young talented people.

The band's debut CD was nominated for a 1998 East Coast Music Award in the Best Instrumental Artist category.