Once again, feeling very blessed to live in Charlottesville, where we’re fortunate to have such great Irish music come through town (thanks Lori and BRIMS!). Wednesday night’s concert at C’ville Coffee was no exception as Nuala Kennedy, Eamon O’Leary, and John Doyle, collectively known as the ALT, treated us to a fabulous evening of songs and tunes. I’m definitely biased about these three, as I’ve taken multiple classes from them at Swannanoa over the years and all are wonderful instructors and people. So happy that they are working together, and their art shows their rich experience and love of the genre.

Their CD, fresh from pressing, is a rare treat of Irish and Scottish songs (primarily) with a few tunes as a delightful seasoning. There is a focus on harmonies not as typical of Irish tradition and their voices blend beautifully. Great to hear Eamon singing many last night. I’ve always loved his version of Craigie Hills on the Live at Mona’s CD. There’s an authenticity about his voice that is very compelling on the songs he chooses. Nuala and John already have quite a repertoire of songs to their credit, but two were particularly memborable: Nuala’s Cha Tig Mor Mo Bhean Dhachaigh, sung (I believe) in Scottish Gaelic and John sang a song that he had written inspired by a Yeats poem.

Here are a couple of links of interest related to the ALT – if they’re headed your way, don’t miss them!

Preview the ALT’s new CD here

Interview with John Doyle about the ALT and an upcoming show in New England