Michelle Burke
Album: Step Into My Parlour
Label: Kilcronat
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.michelleburkemusic.com

I must confess that I am not a great lover of Irish Traditional music despite being half Irish on my Mother's side. There is however something rather sweet and endearing about Michelle Burke and this album.

Michelle's Irish accent is a joy to listen to and her diction is sublime. I may be biased here as I love the Irish accent again possibly because of my Irish roots.

This album represents a look back to Michelle's youth and songs played at family gatherings by parents, relations and latterly by friends and colleagues. One exception to this theme being a delightful version of The Platters' "Twilight Time." That was a bit of a surprise but even better for it being so. It is wonderful!

My favourite track on the album is "The Gypsies" which as just about as close to main stream music that you will find on this album. "Whooped and Died" conjures up images of a smokey Dublin pub on a Saturday night. It even has some audience participation. "So Here's To You" with Cathal McConnell and Maura O'Connell is a beautiful song and makes me want to go back and visit Ireland again.

Michelle now resides in Scotland but it does not seem to have diminished her love of her homeland music.

The invitation in the title of the album is one that I would love to accept. I feel as though I am halfway there anyway. I was not sure that I was going to like this album on first listen but the pure clarity of Michelle's voice and the quality of the musicianship behind her has won me over. A truly delightful album!

Rory Stanbridge