Ducie
Album: Mancunia
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.duciemusic.com

Breathing something new into a tradition is always, in my opinion, a very commendable thing. It is a question of experimenting with new ideas. Some experiments work, and some don't. However, it seems on this album, every track is an experiment, the common dominator being traditional Irish music, and it being fused with various other types of music from around the world. This is what makes the album unique and, (slightly), delightfully schizophrenic. It defiantly keeps the listeners interest throughout the whole album. Ducie comprise of Andy Dinan on Fiddles, Ian Fletcher on Guitars, Bass, and Programming, Jon Thorne on Double Bass and Rich Sliwa on Percussion. They also have many, greatly talented musicians guesting on the album.

Mancunia gets off to a strong start with the track, the Fox, comprising of three reels. This set demonstrates what a mix of melodies this band has to offer. The first tune in the set is a traditional tune called Dr.Gilbert's which is commonly found in North Connacht and parts of Donegal and its surrounding areas, the second is a composition of the band's and the reason for the set's name, The Fox and the third is a modern tune by Tony Sullivan. In the first set alone they have fitted in a traditional tune, an original tune and a contemporary tune. The playing on this track is of extremely high quality. The accompaniment seems to be influenced by South American samba flavours which on the front of it sound very farfetched and unorthodox, but it completely works! The fiddle playing is mechanically precise and yet it doesn't take away any of the musicality.

Another track that is an absolute diamond is the last, entitled, The Mumbai Highway. This Indian influenced reel employs the musical might of Kavan Donohue on Harp and Pravinda Bharat on Tabla. The rhythmic cycle produced by the tabla is an infectious beat that makes the arrangement of this tune a subtle, yet highly groovy one, giving the whole track the feel of India. Once again, the fiddle playing is highly technical and also, highly stylised to suit the tonal colouring that the Indian influence provides. The numerous glissandos, (slides between notes) that Andy Dinan decorates his music are extremely impressive and work a treat at flawlessly blending in with the musical scenery that the accompaniment provides.

The album is brilliant and highly recommendable! It does show the listener how versatile this group of musicians are and how malleable Traditional Irish Music can be. If it was a book, I'd be describing it as a riveting read, an action or fantasy novel where there is always something on the go. However, since it isn't a book, I'll stick to calling it a riveting listen.

Matthew Tighe