Irish Minimalism
First Hand, 2021
8/10
The composer Dave Flynn brings a pair of ensembles with him here, as he explores minimalism with much creativity and poise.
“The Cranning” opens the listen with flowing, sometimes tense and very complicated strings from the ConTempo Quartet that soar and glide with a triumphant spirit of incredible musicianship.
“The Cutting” follows with IMO Quartet’s very cautious and skilled handling that puts forth a very timeless, classical feel to the dynamic strings, while “The Keening” brings back ConTempo Quartet for 19 minutes of sublime and hazy song craft that carries a dramatic, cinematic quality.
The album exits with “Stories From The Old World”, where Breanndán Begley’s vocals are met with Mick O’Brien’s uilleann pipes amid the IMO Quartet’s Irish nods that unfold with much beauty and adventurousness.
Flynn has enjoyed a lengthy and esteemed career for not only his work as leader but as a guitarist, and Irish Minimalism showcases his inimitable version of harmony, rhythm and power.
Travels well with: Eight Strings And A Whistle- … and nothing remains the same…; The Lowell Chamber Orchestra- The Suite